A new bar just two minutes from Reading Station is getting ready to launch with the help of a crowdfunded.

Siren Craft Brew is an independent business which launched in Berkshire 11 years ago.

Based out of the Hogwood Industrial Estate in Finchampstead, it has a taproom and has become a popular supplier of beer for pubs throughout Reading.

The brewery took over the George and Dragon pub in Swallowfield in October 2021.

Now they hope to open its first-ever bar in the centre of Reading to "champion great beer, wine, spirits and food". Once open the bar is also set to show sports and live music.

A Crowdfunder was launched on April 2 in a bid to raise £250,000 to help with the launch. 

With just eight days left before the fundraiser closes, £116,915 has been raised by 733 supporters.

The ‘Siren City Bar’ will occupy a ground-floor unit of the new Ebb & Flow apartment building on Friar Street, located close next to Sainsbury’s.

Reading Chronicle: Siren Craft Brewery

Siren Craft Brew employs 60 people and produces the equivalent of more than four million pints of beer a year. Their beers can be found in mainstream shops and local bars and restaurants.

Their flagship stout, Broken Dream, was awarded Champion Beer of Britain by CAMRA.

A brewery spokesperson said: "In May this year we’ll be opening the doors to our flagship taproom in the centre of Reading."

Speaking on the business climate in Reading, they added: "Despite the efforts of some incredible small, independent businesses, when people talk about the food & drink scene in Reading, it’s so often in relation to the amount of chain venues in the town.

"For all the exciting openings, every year great people and great concepts are forced out of the town.

"In turn, the opportunities for our regional producers and suppliers of any kind, are then also restricted.

"We love pouring brewery-fresh beer and showcasing other brands from our tap room in Finchampstead, but appreciate it’s not the easiest location to get to, and we’re not blessed with a huge amount of space.

"All of this is why a flagship bar in our hometown has been so high on our wishlist for such a long time."

Siren Craft Brew has given locals the rare opportunity to get involved with the project in the launch of the Crowdfunder, with pledges starting from £50.

In return, once open, the brewery will be giving vouchers worth 150 per cent of the pledge to use at the webshop and bar.

The spokesperson added: "We’re doing everything we can to bring a positive story to Reading this Spring.

"We’ll be working as hard as possible to make this a platform for independent businesses of all kinds, making the space an excellent place to spend time, whether you like beer or not"

The crowdfunder can be found at crowdfunder.co.uk/p/siren-tap-yard-reading-centre/updates#start and closes on April 19.