
The Southcote Beefeater
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Quick info
About The Southcote Beefeater
On Southcote Ln in Reading, The Southcote Beefeater is a steak house open daily and part of the Beefeater chain, which opened its first site in 1974. The menu centres on steak meals, including a ribeye steak and surf on turf for those who want seafood alongside the beef. Burgers and chicken burgers cover the non-steak options. Starters include garlic bread and halloumi fries, and a starter deal offers four dishes. A lunch menu comes with a discount. The dining room has been decorated for Christmas celebrations.
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Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention ribeye steak, kids meals, surf on turf and garlic bread and halloumi fries.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention ribeye steak, kids meals, surf on turf and garlic bread and halloumi fries.
Customer Review Summary
Steak is what reviewers return to most, with the ribeye called "best" in some time by one diner and cooked perfectly by another, while the surf on turf and a short rib also earn praise. Close behind are a juicy burger, fish and chips, salmon with asparagus, and garlic bread and halloumi fries, with one reviewer singling out the mushy peas as the real star. Kids' meals are described as a good, big portion. Friendly, helpful staff come up repeatedly, including a garlic butter request that was met even though it was not on the menu. The complaints are concrete. Service was very slow for one party who sat from just after 4pm until near 7pm, and a bill was overcharged until a colleague applied the lunch menu discount. One steak arrived blue on one side after a medium rare order. Two reviewers say the toilets need a revamp, one noting a smell and a filthy carpet. Several mention the restaurant closing, and one late visit found a very limited menu and slow service. One diner was brought a single shared dessert after both ordered the same one.
Customer Review Summary
Steak is what reviewers return to most, with the ribeye called "best" in some time by one diner and cooked perfectly by another, while the surf on turf and a short rib also earn praise. Close behind are a juicy burger, fish and chips, salmon with asparagus, and garlic bread and halloumi fries, with one reviewer singling out the mushy peas as the real star. Kids' meals are described as a good, big portion. Friendly, helpful staff come up repeatedly, including a garlic butter request that was met even though it was not on the menu. The complaints are concrete. Service was very slow for one party who sat from just after 4pm until near 7pm, and a bill was overcharged until a colleague applied the lunch menu discount. One steak arrived blue on one side after a medium rare order. Two reviewers say the toilets need a revamp, one noting a smell and a filthy carpet. Several mention the restaurant closing, and one late visit found a very limited menu and slow service. One diner was brought a single shared dessert after both ordered the same one.
Featured reviews
- Emzy Emz
“First couple of visits was fine but as we went to towards the close last thursday it closes this thursday 10th September very limited Menu etc and a kinda not care attitude and service was slow unfortunately.”
- Noah Samuel
“Had a really nice time at the beefeater today. The short rib was delicious and the atmosphere was lovely. Liam looked after us and ensured we had a great time. It’s devastating that the place is closing but I’m glad we were able to have a nice time today”
- shane elvidge
“So sad to hear this is closing soon in September 2026 Today I was greeted kindly with the staff and was spoken politely and got great customer service. Me and my partner ordered 2 steak meals with a request to have garlic butter and even though wasn’t on menu they went above and beyond to do that for us The kids meals was perfectly sized and was loved by the little ones As I said this is sad to hear this place is closing this is such a welcoming atmosphere and full of kind staff and food is amazing Thank you Shane”
- Gabriella Stewart
“I had a good meal today with an elderly friend and I was pleasantly surprised as overall the food was good. However when it came to the dessert, my friend and I both chose the same option and the waiter brought us one larger portion to share. I did not say anything but I don`t think it was appropriate to assume that we wanted to share. I usually say if I am going to share my dessert with someone. I think this is a mistake and I would ask the Beefeater not to make this mistake again. A response from the restaurant would have been appreciated.”
- Liam Smith
“Really good steak, however service was very slow, we arrived just after 4pm and didn't get out until near 7pm. Also we were overcharged on an item on our bill and our waitress Linda said "There's nothing I can do about that". This was then sorted out by the man behind the counter who came to a solution to get the lunch menu discount correctly applied to the item on the bill. Linda then said 'Sorry it's because I don't have a management key" which she should have just said in the first place! We really liked her until then! Still though, best ribeye I've had in some time.”
Hours
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Good to know
“Beefeater’s been on an exciting journey since opening our first site in 1974. Now, with over 140 restaurants across the UK, we’re known and loved thanks to our famous grills and friendly service. From our mouth-watering steaks to fresh fish and salads, you’ll find plenty of great-value meals on the menu. Plus, with a whole range of tasty and nutritious kids’ dishes, we’re the perfect choice for family meals. Whatever the occasion, celebrate it with Beefeater.”
- AccessibilityWheelchair-accessible car park · Wheelchair-accessible seating
Amenities
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
Show more amenities
- Accessibility· 1
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
Location
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