Top 10 Unique Places to Eat and Drink in Reading

When it comes to food and drink, Reading knows a thing or two. Home to wonderfully diverse and creative hospitality, Reading offers a great food and drink scene that rivals bigger cities. So, if you're looking to try something a bit different, take a look at our pick of some unique places to eat and drink in Reading.

Try pool-side tapas at Thames Lido’s Mediterranean Restaurant

For dining with a difference, visit Reading’s wellness retreat, Thames Lido. Its Restaurant and Tapas Bar comes with a pool-side view and offers a Mediterranean inspired a la carte and separate tapas menu with small sharing plates. Offering breakfast, lunch and dinner, it’s found a stone’s throw from Reading Station, along the Thames Path.

Taste award-winning pies at Reading’s renowned Sweeney & Todd

One of Reading’s best-loved eateries, Sweeney and Todd Restaurant and Shop serves pies, pies and more pies. Famous for its award-winning pies and one of the oldest restaurants in Reading, Sweeney & Todd is an ultimate must-try when in town. You won’t be disappointed!

Take afternoon tea in the Secret Garden

Part of Reading’s luxury Hotel, The Roseate Reading, The Secret Garden is a beautiful outdoor dining space. Complete with a pomegranate tree and waterfall wall, it’s a perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the town with a relaxing afternoon tea, served with freshly baked bread and sweet treats. Those feeling extra-fancy can opt for a glass of Moet & Chandon Champagne, too!

Sip cocktails on a rooftop at the industrial Market House

Formerly the site of Lloyds Bank, Market House opened in 2019, offering food, drink and rooms in the heart of Reading town centre. Set in a quirky industrial space, it serves relaxed, market-style food including sourdough pizzas and burgers - and there’s even a rooftop.

Sarnies with a difference, at Shed’s independent sandwich bar

Think thick, doorstop sandwiches, freshly baked bread, yummy treats and hearty salads. Shed is home to it all, and is found tucked away in Merchants Place, off Friar Street. An independent, family-run café, Shed is a perfect lunchtime pitstop when supermarket sarnies just don’t hit the spot. In the evenings, upstairs comes alive with Milk, Reading’s only independent cocktail bar and home to over 100 rums.

Dine on the Kennet at London St Brasserie

A former 18 century tollhouse, London St Brasserie is found on the River Kennet, on London Street. LSB to locals, the award-winning restaurant offers fine dining in a stunning setting where everything is made on the premises. From set lunches to a la carte dining, it’s a great choice for a special meal – but book ahead as it gets popular!

Try world-wide cuisine at Reading's Street Food Markets

Reading town centre is home to two street food markets, run by local company Blue Collar. Having built a strong reputation in Reading for high-quality street food since they started trading in 2016, Blue Collar’s markets run twice weekly at Reading's Market Square, on Wednesday and Friday lunchtimes, and offer popular street food options from all over the world.  In 2022, they have also opened Blue Collar Corner, open Thursday - Sunday at the estern end of the town centre.

Visit a revamped biscuit factory at the Bel and Dragon at Blakes Lock

A revamped biscuit factory, the Bel and Dragon is a short stroll from the town centre along the Kennet and Avon Canal. Boasting picturesque water-side dining in a truly unique setting, the Bel and Dragon offers a bar, restaurant and even accommodation for those visiting from further afield.  

Go wine and cheese tasting at the Italian haven, Vino.Vita

Reading’s answer to Italy is found in the Abbey Quarter District. Visit Veeno with its bricked interior and pretty, lit courtyard on the corner of Forbury Gardens. From wine tasting and sharing boards, to Italian afternoon tea and even bottomless pizza and drinks, Veeno is a perfect place to kick back and relax with fine wines and company.

Enjoy waterside dining at the Oracle Riverside

Reading’s central shopping centre, The Oracle, boasts an amazing backdrop with the Kennet & Avon Canal running right through it and its banks are lined with a great choice of bars, restaurants and cafes for picturesque waterside dining. From lazy lunches to cocktail evenings, try dining with a view at The Oracle Riverside.