Reading’s Indie Gems: Spotlight on Shed 

7th May 2025

Reading may be known for its busy high street and retail giants but look a little closer and you’ll find something much more special: a thriving network of independent businesses adding colour, character and community to the town centre. From quirky record stores to artisan cafes, these hidden gems are the soul of Reading – and we're here to celebrate them. 

In our last spotlight, we explored Crunch Comics, the beating heart of Reading’s geek culture. Now, we turn our attention to something a little tastier – Shed, a beloved cafe, nestled on Merchants Place, that its owners aspire to make a ‘home from home’ for anyone visiting our town. And just like the best sandwiches, its success lies in the perfect balance – homemade comfort, thoughtful ingredients, and a twist of personality. 

Iconic Reading duo 

Run by local duo Lydia and Pete, Shed has grown from humble beginnings into one of Reading’s most popular lunch spots. 

At the heart and soul of the cafe, Pete (go to drink: piccolo) was formerly a guitarist and singer in one of the greatest rock bands to come out of Reading, Pete and the Pirates. They’ve toured Europe and have even graced the stage at the iconic Reading Festival.

Meanwhile, Lydia (flat white with oat milk) had one of the world’s dream jobs as a chocolate taster at Cadbury’s. After the band split in 2012, the pair found themselves working at Chan Cham, a beloved little sandwich hatch that they would eventually take over and reimagine into Shed. 

Without much cafe experience, Lydia and Pete relied on passion, creativity, and a genuine care for people – the kind that keeps customers coming back, not just for the food, but for the feeling. 

Fresh food, small team, big heart 

Shed’s ethos is simple: use the best ingredients, cook in small batches, and keep everything in-house. That means every salad, pasta, sandwich and drizzle of hot sauce is made with attention and love, not mass-produced. 

It’s a fast-paced environment where everything is made to order, but that freshness is key. Want more of something? Less of something? No problem. Shed doesn’t do ‘off the shelf’ – it does your lunch, your way. 

And with a team that’s small, skilled and deeply valued (including some who’ve become role models for Lydia and Pete’s daughters), there’s a real sense of family here. It’s the kind of place where Pete might try to guess your order before you even speak. Chances are, he’ll get it right. 

Tuna Turner or Salmon and Garfunkel, anyone? 

At Shed, sandwiches aren’t just sandwiches – they’re playful, bold and packed with personality. Take Chaat, a vegan delight inspired by South Asian street food, complete with chopped samosas, chutney and yoghurt. Or Tuna Turner, their biggest seller, which brings a punch of nostalgic tuna goodness with a fresh twist. The menu has also evolved over time – crisps in sandwiches? Pete used to think it was wrong. Lydia insisted. Now, it’s a signature touch that customers love.  

And though their more pun-filled naming phase (think Salmon and Garfunkel) has given way to a simpler menu style, the humorous likes of ‘Chicken 1’ and ‘Chicken 2’ are unpretentious but unforgettable. 

Reading’s warmest welcome in a sandwich 

Shed isn’t just about the food. It’s about the feeling you get when you walk through the door. Pete recalls the warm welcome he used to get at his local Indian restaurant growing up – the kind that made you feel seen, remembered, and at ease. That’s the kind of experience he and Lydia now aim to recreate every day. 

From geek havens like Crunch Comics to comfort food sanctuaries like Shed, Reading’s independent scene is bursting with creativity, character, and community spirit. Next time you’re in town and after a bite to eat, skip the chains and head to Merchants Place, just off Friar Street. 

Follow Shed on Instagram for mouthwatering updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses.

Have you been to Shed yet – or do you have another indie gem in Reading you think we should spotlight next? Let us know at @visitrdg!