The Pantry. Café & Kitchen

Blagrave St, Reading RG1 1QH, United Kingdom
$$$ Cafe
(63 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

Welcome to The Pantry. Café & Kitchen, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Reading, precisely at Blagrave St, RG1 1QH. This delightful café is a culinary haven that harmoniously blends the comfort of a casual eatery with an inviting atmosphere, making it the perfect spot for a quick bite or a leisurely afternoon. Situated within the Town Hall, just a short stroll (about five minutes) from the railway station, The Pantry benefits from a cozy yet vibrant location that is both accessible and charming.

The Pantry is celebrated for its simple yet thoughtfully curated menu that caters to a variety of tastes, making it an excellent choice for breakfast, brunch, or lunch. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, the Greek Yoghurt Pancakes will entice your palate, offering a fluffy texture complemented by rich creamy yogurt. For those who lean towards savory, the Poached Eggs on Sourdough Toast with Avocado and Rocket presents a delightful fusion of flavors and fresh ingredients that will awaken your senses. The Breakfast Flatbread and Sweetcorn and Courgette Fritter are equally tempting, showcasing the cafe’s commitment to using quality produce in its offerings.

Moreover, The Pantry embraces its unique setting with a dining atmosphere that is warm and intimate. The café's layout, slightly below ground but illuminated by street-level windows, allows for a serene ambiance—ideal for enjoying an afternoon tea with friends or a casual meet-up. Customers have raved about the friendly and attentive staff, enhancing the overall dining experience. As Lee B. shares, "it was very peaceful, we’d love to come again," reflecting the tranquil escape The Pantry provides amidst the bustling town.

The menu also offers delicious options for those seeking heartier meals, such as the Pulled Pork Waffle and the comforting Penne Pasta in Tomato Sauce Topped with Cheese. If you’re in the mood for a light snack, the Mini Sourdough Pizza gives guests the chance to customize their toppings and savor a bite of Italy right in Reading.

Don’t overlook the delectable baked goods, which have attracted the attention of many returning patrons, including regulars like Catherine Ewart, who appreciates the "carefully presented selection of baked goods and simple meals" at The Pantry. With each visit, guests are greeted by a warm atmosphere, complemented by friendly service, making it a place where memories can be created over shared meals.

While some patrons have expressed a desire for extended hours and availability on weekends, the existing experience makes each visit special. Whether you're visiting the nearby Reading Museum or simply wandering through the town, The Pantry Café & Kitchen is the perfect pitstop for food lovers looking for quality and comfort.

So, make your way to The Pantry and indulge in a delightful dining experience that showcases the best of café culture in Reading. With its tempting menu and amiable service, you will surely leave with a smile and a wish to return.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
On-site services available
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Good for solo dining
Good for working on laptop
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Has free water refills
Serves healthy options
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Has Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Family friendly
Good for groups
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Has kids' menu
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Wednesday

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Thursday

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Friday

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Saturday

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Sunday

Closed

63 Reviews
Catherine Ewart

16 Sep 2025

This is a regular of mine. It’s located in the Town Hall on the quieter side of town, a 5 minute walk from the railway station. Good prices and a small but carefully presented selection of baked goods and simple meals. The staff are lovely. I’d give it 5 stars if the opening hours were longer and it opened on Sunday and Monday!

Christine Emerson

14 Sep 2025

Afternoon tea is really good, value for money.Staff are very friendly and helpful. Baked potatoes and quiche, lovely but rest of menu revising.

Der Fritz

05 Sep 2025

Charming place in Reading Town Hall with good sandwiches. The cakes also look delicious. I will try one next time

Ward Dougherty

06 Aug 2025

A nice restaurant next to the Reading Museum. The Pantry is a restaurant adjacent to the Reading, UK museum. It is a very nice place to grab a bite to eat during your visit to the Museum or the area. It is in the same building just on the south side and has its own entrance. It's located a little below ground but has windows at street level that provide a light and airy look. It's like a cozy treasure hidden within the museum. The atmosphere is warm and inviting. You order and pay at the counter and pick up the food when it is ready. The seating area was clean and well-kept. It is nicely appointed with pictures of the 3 B’s that the city is known for: Biscuit, Beer, and Bulbs. The menu offers a nice variety of food options. From sandwiches to salads and tasty treats. The food is not only delicious but also reasonably priced, making it a good choice for a meal or snack. The staff was friendly and helpful, the prices were reasonable and the food was good. Overall the Pantry is a charming place to enjoy a tasty meal or snack either before or after you visit the museum. I enjoyed it and hope you do too.

Linda Prestidge

21 Jul 2025

Great place to up with meet friends Lots of space and comfy seating. Staff are friendly and polite. Good selection of food something for everyone even better when they do the specials like thd pizza. Reasonable price as well.

Lee B

28 May 2025

Really charming place and really enjoyed the afternoon tea, although I’m not much of a tea person myself I still found myself finishing my pot, my wife and I left feeling very happy although we couldn’t finish the cakes, but they have now been shared around some of my family members. Not too busy inside but just how I liked it, it was very peaceful, we’d love to come again

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