AS MANY residents, including myself, make their way back to their businesses in Reading, the option of buying your lunch has suddenly been put back on the menu.

We all have our favourites, however with such a variety of food places to choose from in the town centre, you might find yourself stuck for choice - I know i certainly was.

So, if you're feeling peckish and stuck for ideas for lunch in town, why not try one of these independent eateries?

ALSO READ: Reading's top 5 best reviewed restaurants as voted on Tripadvisor

1. Munchees, Butter Market

Reading Chronicle:

This all-day breakfast place just outside the town's Butter Market has been frying food for hungry residents since 1985.

The full-English breakfast cafe, which also serves nepalese food in its restaurant section, has a food standards hygiene rating of 4/5, last rated on November 14, 2019.

From my personal experience, the eatery is a good place for filling food for when you are in a hurry.  

2. Sweeney and Todd, Castle Street

Reading Chronicle:

ALSO READ: Reading weather: Forecaster predict scorching Bank Holiday weekend

Sweeney and Todd's pie shop is another one of reading's food establishments that has been running for a long time, first opening its doors in 1978.

The pie shop, serving both eat-in and takeaway options, has a food hygiene rating of 5/5, when it was last reviewed on September 28, 2019. 

The shop sells a variety of pies, pasties, sausage rolls, scotch eggs and cold meats. Another great place for a lunch-break bite. 

3. Sapana Home, Queen Victoria Street

Reading Chronicle:

Sapana home, just outside Reading Train Station, is a low-key nepalese restaurant, serving great foods for great prices. 

This eatery was rated for its food standards on May 27 June 25, 2019, being rated a 3/5.

The restaurant's hygeine and safety pracices were named as 'good', 'fair' structural compliancr, and 'some' confidence in management, according to the Reading Borough Council.

My personal reccomendation is the Buffalo Chow Mein, as well as the steamed vegetable momo for sides. 

4. Picnic Foods, Market Place 

Reading Chronicle:

This 'ethical cafe', just opposite Munchees, is great for light and healthy bite to eat, as well as serving local homemade sweet treats. 

On March 23, 2019, the council rated this store 5/5 for its food hygiene practices. 

Here you can get your hands on a variety of sandwiches, soups, homemade cakes, salads, and more.  

5. Shed, Merchants Place

Reading Chronicle:

This sandwich and coffee shop tucked in between the train station and Friar Street, prides itself on its sourdough toasites, doorstop sandwhiches, stuffed wraps, and salad boxes.

The eatery was rated 5/5 for its food hygiene practices by the Reading Borough Council on September 3, 2019. 

Local Democracy Reporter Tevye Markson reccommends their toasties for a hearty mid-day meal.