2-4 London Street, Reading, Berkshire

A programme of building investigation and recording was undertaken at 2-4 London Street in Reading prior to its conversion to a wine bar. The on-site recording, together with additional historical research, revealed that the building was probably constructed between 1816 and
1840 on the footprint of an older building and possibly incorporated the cellar from the previous structure. This work also revealed that the building had been substantially altered after its initial construction. This work included the insertion of a chimney stack and the removal of a corner of the building to step it back from the River Kennet as well as the possible resurfacing of the building shortly after 1840. The two units were a single property
until c.1888, occupied by beer retailers. For most of the 20th Century Nunber 2 was occupied by a hairdresser and Numnber 4 by a newsqgents and tobacconists.