Reading’s iconic pie shop has been described as ‘second to none’ following 45 years in business.

Sweeney & Todd in Castle Street, Reading was opened by Alan and June Hayward selling everything from scotched eggs to classic homemade pies with every filling imaginable.

Although Reading has seen a fair few changes throughout the years, this businesses has stayed a constant within the town and throughout the community.

Three generations of Haywards can often be found serving the people of Reading what are classed ‘the best pies in the UK’.

Craig Hayward, who joined his parents in the running of Sweeney Todd said: “I think that people like us so much because it has been run by the same family for its entire existence.

“When my daughter comes home from university there are three generations working in the shop. There is a real family feel behind it.”

Reading residents have raved about the shop on social media describing it as the last bastion of a proper British shop.

Anna Kasperek said: “Pies and the service- both second to none I'd say in the whole of the UK.”

Dave Ledger added: “Best pies ever, no comparisons.”

Alongside many other people, Timothy Ewins has called the pie shop a Reading Institution.

He said: “I have been buying and eating In Sweeny & Todd since I was a secondary school, that's from when they opened.”

Founder, June Hayward explained how she took up pie making during her time at a Newbury butchers and pie shop.

She said: “Everything we sell in the shop is made from scratch every day. I think that is what makes us so special. All the companies and ingredients we use are the same as when we started.

“When we opened, my husband at the time bought church pews to use for the seating area, and all these years later we haven’t changed anything.”

The pie shop has recently gained a four-out-of-five hygiene rating after an inspection by Food Standards and Reading Borough Council.

Although the owners were hoping to retain their five-star rating, inspectors said that they have confidence that standards will be maintained in the future.

With local independent businesses disappearing as the high street business rates continue to rise, residents stand behind the iconic Reading business that has maintained its history and standard for nearly 50 years.