FROM their distinguishing wallpaper, to often sticky carpets and that truly traditional smell, is there any institution more familiar than that of the Great British pub?

According to Niamh Foley of the House of Commons Library, “going down the pub” is not only one of our nation’s favourite past times but also the third most popular tourist activity.

Despite this, in recent years the future of the Great British pub looked darker than a pint of Guinness. Supposedly under attack from all sides, the office for national statistics points the finger at the 2007 smoking ban, the 2008 global recession, increased taxation and reduced alcohol consumption for the decline in their numbers.

The British Beer and Pub association estimated a fall of around 37 pubs a week over recent years.

It might be time to face the music and accept that the “traditional” pub as we know it may have had its day. Microbreweries, seasonal guest ales, and wine’s rising popularity over beer are persuading pubs to rethink their business plans.

But all is not lost! Last year for the first time in almost a decade, pubs in the UK reportedly experienced a significant surge in numbers, but this hasn’t stopped for sale signs popping up outside pubs in towns all over Berkshire.

Here are some of the pubs for sale in the Berkshire area, if you think you’re the jolly-pub-landlord type!

Zia Maria, London Road, Ascot.

Reading Chronicle:

Picture from Google Maps

Famed for its racecourse and being a bit posh, Ascot seems only fitting as home to a pub that has a name that wouldn’t be out of place on a racehorse. Zia Maria markets itself from a new wave angle, putting its Italian cuisine at the forefront.

It is advertised as having a spacious central bar, boasts a selection of wines and champagnes and occupies an “affluent” location on the bustling London Road. Its estimated gross internal floor area is 3,983sq ft, not including the beer garden at the rear.

If your interest has been piqued go to Savills here or Rightmove here

The Tally Ho, Hungerford Newtown

Reading Chronicle:

Picture from Google Maps

Nestled in the picturesque village of Hungerford Newtown, Berkshire, The Tally Ho is in a prime location off junction 14 of the M4, the charming redbrick pub describes itself as cosy and full of character.

It is currently on the market for new tennants and is advertised as a large open plan bar that can easily accommodate 60, a patio area and a rustic log fire.

The Tally Ho is the perfect place to spend a winter evening, and with its 'impressive' kitchen facilities, interested parties could consider the prospect of running a gastro-pub.

This public house also has the additional bonus feature of two rooms for let with en-suite bathrooms to further supplement income from the bar and restaurant below. Finally, there’s a managers flat complete with en-suite, living room and kitchen facilities.

The ingoing cost is marked at £39,500 and rent at £32,000.

For details click here

Wellington Arms, Yorktown Road, Sandhurst

Reading Chronicle:

Picture from Google Maps

A two-storey whitewashed building in the picturesque town of Sandhurst, the Wellington Arms pub is undeniably picture-perfect. Another pub described as having great kitchen facilities and a whopping six double-letting bedrooms, five-room owners’ quarters and two bars.

It’s no wonder that this impressive pub brought home £750,000 per year under the past owners management.

The Sandhurst pub is currently on the market to lease at a guide price of £150,000, further details about this gem are available upon request here

The Swan, Basingstoke Road, Reading

Reading Chronicle:

Picture from Google Maps

Although it may be named after one of nature’s most fearsome creatures, The Swan is anything but. Situated in a lovely part of Three Mile Cross on nearly an acre of land, this Grade II listed building claims to be the only pub in the village.

The Reading pub is warm and inviting, and boasts exposed beams and brickwork, charming décor and a garden area sure to entice passing foot traffic.

Adverts says it features two bars, an enormous garden and overflow carpark and a kitchen with attached office and storage area.

The “traditional” owners accommodation blends seamlessly with the stylish and historic aesthetic of the pub and is a two bedroom, two bathroom property with a large lounge area. In its own words, The Swan is a well-established and well-maintained business, looking to take advantage of an expanding local market.

This business is listed as for freehold sale at a guide price of £995,000

For details click here or call 0118 453 0310

The Fox & Hounds, Tilehurst, Reading

Reading Chronicle:

Picture from Google Maps

A bustling community watering hole in a prime residential location, The Fox and Hounds is an attractive prospect for those looking to run a “traditional” public house.

They pride themselves on making most of their profit from drinks (just like in the good old days) and stock a variety of lagers, ales, spirits and wines. Serving Doombar as their signature ale but always having exciting and alternating options on tap, The Fox & Hounds is the ideal place to grab a few pints on a sunny afternoon.

Available to lease for a reduced price of £80,000, for details click here