The Forbury Hotel forms
one side of Forbury Square on the edge of
Reading city centre. This Queen Anne
style building, clad in red brick with
Portland stone dressing, was originally
Berkshire County Council's Shire Hall.
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In 1980 the council moved to new premises
and the building was converted into
offices. In 2006 it was converted once
again into a luxury hotel.
The Forbury Hotel says of
itself that, "... this listed
building is most impressive and one that
lends itself effortlessly to become a
luxury hotel. The wide hallways,
vaulted ceilings, cornice mouldings and
even the original lift shaft have been
lovingly restored; in fact the central
lift shaft that runs the full height of
the building is the setting for the
stunning Italian chandelier, with 86,000
individual glass beads from top to
bottom." The original
council chamber, with its imposing fireplace
and elaborate wood carvings around the doors
and mantelpiece has been restored to its
former beauty.
