Reading and Mid-Berkshire has a fine historical tradition of beer. Indeed, during much of the 19th and 20th Centuries, Reading was famous for its Three Bs – Beer, Bulbs and Biscuits.

It owes a lot of this to Simonds and latterly Courage. The Simonds family have created a fantastic website dedicated to the history of the brewery: http://simondsfamily.me.uk/

We have an number of historians within our own Branch and people who have archived documents that we or others have produced in the past. We're pleased to be able to share those here on our website. If you have anything lurking around in a folder on your computer you think should be on here, please let us know!

Digital historical archive:

• First Beer Tent at the Knowl Hill Steam Fair 1975
• Newsletters and Thames Valley Drinkers 1975-88
• Berkshire Beer Guides 1975-99
• Courage Campaign 1977-81
• CAMRA National AGM in Reading 1983
• Pub of the Year Wall Plaques 1984-1995
• First Reading Beer Festival 1994
• Ale in Reading 1996
• The Discerning Student's Guide to Pubs in Central Reading and the University Area 1998
• History of The Sun of Reading 2003
• Real Ale around Twyford 2007
• Real Ale around Woodley 2007
• Real Ale around Reading University 2008
• Beer by Bus - Real Ale on Courtney Coaches Route 4 2009
• Real Ale around Twyford 2009
• Real Ale on the 127 Thames Travel Bus Route 2009
• A Dictionary of Berkshire Brewers 2013