I've come late to this thread but, ahem, as this is my manor indulge me in contributing a few ideas?
Yes you can and better than the south side for a departure north into the Chilterns.
I'd consider a Saturday as you are less likely to incur engineering works affecting trains (Sundays are worst) and you're going to avoid the Sunday lunchtime eaters in quite a few of the pubs you've got on the candidate list.
Some of these pubs we visit on our Sunday daytime and Wednesday evening-time rides (
http://www.readingctc.co.uk/rides/?ridetype=ON&past=on&from=2015-11-01&to=2016-11-22) but not all of them.
I'd suggest giving the Crooked Billet in Stoke Row a miss as it's really a restaurant and not great for just a drink or two. Little known fact, local actor Kate Winslet had her second wedding meal there. The Frog in Skirmett is also a restaurant masquerading as a pub.
You should also consider visiting
- The Prince Albert in Frieth (http://www.theprincealbert-pub.co.uk/menu.htm) for the homemade pork pies (made in small batches so go quickly)
- The Black Horse in Checkendon for the "my goodness they don't make them like this anymore" factor; the outside lavvies are a particular draw.
And perhaps end up in one or two pubs in Reading at the end of the ride? Nag's Head in Russell Street is beer-drinkers heaven and the Fox & Hounds on Gosbrook Road (on the Caversham side of the Thames) has plenty of good beer (and a late license on Saturday, another little known fact, the Beatles played there once). Both in wobbling distance for the station.