The George Hotel, Reading

The George Hotel
18th century coaching Inn (left) 19th century addition (right)
Location in Reading
General information
LocationReading, Berkshire, UK, 10 - 12 King Street
Reading
Berkshire
RG1 2HE
Coordinates51°27′17″N 0°58′12″W / 51.45472°N 0.97000°W / 51.45472; -0.97000
Opening1423
Other information
Number of rooms76
Number of restaurants2
Listed Building – Grade II
Official nameThe George Hotel
Designated22 March 1957
Reference no.1155931

The George Hotel is a hotel and former coaching inn in the town of Reading in the English county of Berkshire. It is situated at the eastern end of the town centre, on the corner of King Street and Minster Street, next to The Oracle shopping mall. It is a Grade II listed building.[1]

History

First mentioned in 1423,[1] the George Inn was one of the busiest in Reading in the late 16th century.[2] It was one of the major coaching inns between London and the West Country in the 18th century.

In 2021, the George was used by the Home Office as temporary accommodation for refugees from Afghanistan[3], and this was still ongoing in October 2025 [4]

References

  1. ^ a b Historic England (22 March 1957). "The George Hotel (Grade II) (1155931)". National Heritage List for England.
  2. ^ Phillips, Daphne (1980). The Story of Reading. Countryside Books. p. 44. ISBN 0-905392-07-8.
  3. ^ Burke, Darren. "Doncaster family's upset as Reading Festival hotel booking cancelled to make way for Afghan refugees". Doncaster Free Press. Retrieved 17 July 2025.
  4. ^ Aldridge, James (24 October 2025). "Asylum seeker hotel closure update from Reading MP". Reading Chronicle. Retrieved 30 January 2026.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)