24/12/2025
To One & All Happy Christmas from The Blagrave, One Last Time.
It’s time to say farewell, so it is with deep regret and lots of tears that the Blagrave will have its last hurrah this New Year’s Eve, Wednesday 31st December 2025 8.00pm - 3.00am.
Current times in the hospitality industry are so tough with escalating building/business costs, the rise in cost of living, the lack of footfall and a landlord that needs to sell the building.
It’s a hard decision to make but some of it is out of my hands. I write this post with a heavy heart, after serving our community in Reading for over 25 years, first with the Granby then the Blagrave, I’ve always believed in one simple truth: love the one you’re with and be kind to everyone. As we all get older, it's also time to take a break for myself and my loved ones.
I’ve loved what we created with the Blagrave. I’ve poured my heart and soul into serving a community, that means everything to me over the years, I’ve seen it change shrink, struggle and evolve. But through it all, we have always been there for you through grief, through celebrations, through the hard nights and the dark days. The world’s not in a great place right now. We’re all going through something. But please, take a moment to think. who’s been there for you when you needed to talk? Who’s held a space for you when you needed a shoulder to cry on?
I created a space a safe, warm, welcoming space for the communities I love. Since opening The Blagrave in 2012, we’ve laughed, cried, danced, mourned and celebrated together. There have been relationships formed that are still going strong, we’ve had three wedding celebrations, countless milestone birthday parties, the Renegades all-inclusive rugby team was formed at the Blagrave and we sponsored their first kit, we’ve lost special people, we’ve raised in excess of £20,000.00 for Reading Pride and we’ve been there even when times were tough.
I wish to thank all the staff past and present of the Bla over the years for all their hard work and special friendships. Thank you to all the karaoke hosts, DJs and artists and a big thank you to all customers past and present for their custom. We have all had a huge part in creating this special place over the past 13 years.
Also, a massive thank you to my husband Marc and my dear friend James, who have been a massive support since I’ve opened. They have been my go-to when I’ve really needed them!
Please see our opening times up to NYE. Pop in to share your memories and come and party for one final time on NYE.
Thank you for being part of the community, that made the Blagrave what it was.
Merry Christmas to one and all of you.
Marc
