10 independent coffee shops to check out in Reading

It’s aimed at shining a light on the coffee industry and the people who cultivate it to raise funds for Project Waterfall, which is working to end the water crisis faced by coffee-growing communities worldwide.

To mark the national week, we have rounded up 10 independent cafes and coffee hot spots to visit in Reading Town centre and surrounding areas.

1. Coffee under pressure @ St. Mary’s Butts and Blagrave Street

(Image: NQ)

This coffee shop, located in two major towns and cities in the UK brings affordable luxury to the coffee industry. With a location in the town centre, many people frequent the quaint café for a quick bite or their regular coffee fix.

The outdoor area overlooks the impressive Reading Minster church in St Mary's Butts.

2. YayLo @ Cross Street

Craving delicious gluten-free coffee and treats? Look no further than YayLo, Reading's only dedicated gluten-free independent coffee shop! They offer a warm and welcoming atmosphere to relax, chat, and savor guilt-free treats in Reading town centre.

3. Filter Coffee House @ Castle Street

Filter Coffee House, a tiny café on Castle Street offering authentic South Indian coffee, opened recently in Reading. It occupies a unit which used to be home to a very small produce store.

From their best selling Banana Bread to delicious filter coffee, there is something for everyone.

4. Monty’s Café @ Addington Rd

(Image: NQ) This little café sits in the heart of Reading’s student area, in a cosy neighbourhood just outside the town centre. Since opening in 2019, the café has become a favourite among the community.

The café hosts both an outdoor and indoor space for diners to enjoy a cup of coffee or something from their menu.

5. Picnic Foods

Picnic Foods is a charming café right in Reading town centre and opposite the Oracle. It sells a range of homemade cakes, sandwiches, salads and delicious coffees.

Having so much coffee competition on the doorstep, the café works hard to hold onto the title of 'Coffee Kings of Coffee Corner'.

(Image: NQ) They use 100% arabica beans, which are ethically sourced from the fields of Honduras.

6. Café Yolk @ Erleigh Road

(Image: NQ)

Café Yolk is a tremendously popular café and coffee shop for Reading University students as it is located close to the student area of Reading and nearby halls.

This Reading coffee shop has been selling good coffee and delicious brunch food since 2013. There is often queues lining outside the cafe during busy weekend mornings.

7. The Coffee Van

(Image: The coffee van) This coffee shop is exactly what it says on the tin. A van which sits outside the council buildings on Bridge Street providing commuters with their first caffeine fix on the way to work.

Alongside the hand-roasted coffee, the Coffee Van also sells smoothies and a range of sweet and savoury pastry.

8. The Pantry café and kitchen @ Reading Town Hall

This coffee shop is located inside the Reading Town Hall building making it an excellent spot if you’re looking a pick-me-up whilst around the area or visiting Reading Museum.

The vibrant and contemporary space provides a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle for a coffee or taking time over lunch, you’ll find a great big welcome in comfy surroundings.

9. Geo Café @ Prospect Street, Caversham

(Image: Geo cafe)

Geo-Café is a family run café and grocery, providing a range of delicious food and produce.

Although it was originally just a café, it has since been transformed into the Geo-Café Grocery & Bakery, running alongside their new venture RG Bread. 

A second café has also opened in Henley-on-Thames.
 

10. Shed @ Merchants Place

Opened since the summer od 2012, Shed has gradually grown to become one of Reading’s most popular lunch venues. They use the best ingredients, buy local, cook in small batches and make everything in-house.

This means their food is always fresh, good quality and is full of homemade goodness.