Festive Food and Drink in Reading Town Centre

13th December 2025

This Christmas is another magical season to be in Reading! With sparkling high streets and bustling markets, it’s never been easier (or tastier) to get into the festive spirit. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect Christmas shopping snack, a warming winter drink or a festive feast you’ll still be dreaming about in July, here are our favourite seasonal finds in Reading this year!

Broad Street Christmas Market

Reading’s Christmas Markets are overflowing with festive flavours once again. Sip mulled wine, mulled cider or a Bailey’s Hot Chocolate as you wander between the stalls, and treat yourself to Yorkshire pudding wraps, bratwurst, brie & cranberry crepes, roasted chestnuts and classic pick ‘n’ mix. It’s one of the cosiest ways to enjoy a winter evening in town.

Paul Bakery

Paul Bakery are keeping things classic and Christmassy with their Tangerine Hot Chocolate and a choice between the Turkey & Bacon Christmas Club or their Brie & Cranberry Christmas Baguette. Simple, elegant and perfect for a lunchtime festive treat.

Blue Collar

Blue Collar are serving up one of the most heartwarming meals in Reading this December. Their Roast Christmas Special packs turkey breast, pigs in blankets, roasties, carrots, honey-glazed parsnips and optional sprouts into a giant Yorkshire pudding bowl generously drenched in homemade gravy. Gurt Wings' festive offering is equally impressive with Gurtmas Stuffing, fried chicken with cranberry & pomegranate syrup and Oumi cheese bites.

Spinners

If cocktails are your December weakness, Spinners is the place to be. Their Christmas cocktail line-up includes festive favourites like Let It Glow, The Grinch, Chocolate Orange Martini and the Gingerbread Espresso Martini, alongside a full range of creative seasonal mocktails and their popular Santa Shots. While you’re there, make sure to check out one of their interactive games—mini golf, darts or bowling—for an extra dose of festive fun with friends!

Shed Cafe

A firm Reading favourite, Shed on Merchants Place has revived its legendary Christmas Toastie with a brand-new recipe for 2025. This year’s masterpiece includes roast chicken, sage and onion stuffing, gravy, cheddar, coleslaw, cranberry sauce and frazzles (yes really), all wrapped in rosemary focaccia. Plus veggie and vegan versions too! Unique, hearty and completely exclusive to Shed.

Siren

Siren’s Friar Street bar is ready for Christmas with two seasonal beers—Miracle on Marshmallow Mountain Porter and Lumina Christmas IPA. Their much-loved Festive Burger has also returned, featuring chicken breaded in stuffing mix, confit garlic gravy mayo, pickled slaw and a zingy lime and jalapeño cranberry sauce. Add in mulled wine or mulled cider for maximum festive comfort.

Greggs

Greggs are spreading festive cheer across all four of their town centre branches with a full line-up of seasonal favourites. The Festive Bake returns alongside the plant-based Vegan Lattice, while their Christmas Lunch Baguette and Festive Flatbread offer all the holiday flavours stuffed into perfectly portable formats. Ideal for a pick-me-up between gift shops.

Honest Burgers

Honest Burgers are back with a festive twist on their iconic Camembert Burger. Choose from beef, fried chicken or even a double-smashed burger, all piled high with their signature seasonal toppings: deep-fried camembert, crispy bacon, rocket and cranberry sauce. Rich, indulgent and gloriously gooey—this one’s practically Christmas on a plate.

Muffin Break

Think crispy Yorkshire Puddings, festive Tiramisu Duffins and indulgent limited-edition drinks like the Millionaires Mocha, Honeycomb Hot Chocolate and Salted Caramel Latte. Make sure to check their 'Muffin Tree' of daily specials, baked fresh from 5am!

Black Sheep Coffee

For tasty bites and playful drinks, Black Sheep Coffee have unveiled several festive specials. Grab a Pigs in Blanket Ciabatta or a Brie & Cranberry Toastie topped with a creamy cheese béchamel. Their drink lineup includes Mint White Chocolate Chip Matcha, Gingerbread Lattes (hot or iced), Gingerbread Matcha Lattes and even a Fuji Apple, Ginger & Caramel Red Bull infusion for adventurous sippers.

Reading town centre once again shines with a spectacular range of seasonal flavours, from toasties to luxurious hot drinks and fabulously festive cocktails. With every corner offering something different, there’s no better place to eat, drink and be merry this Christmas than Reading.