Pret-A-Manger in Reading

The cost of a latte and a crayfish and rocket sandwich. £11.20 for the delight of sitting in an extra 20% charge. Still a paper cup a dirty table and wayyyy too much black pepper. The latte was lovely but not so nice I’m happy to pay those prices!!

For some reason, I'd never been in a Pret before. I guess I'm too much of a Costa manger. But this year I've decided to try new chains. I visited twice and was impressed. Could see straight away the attraction of Pret and its distinctiveness from other high-street chains. Notably the enticing array of freshly made sandwiches, pastries, and food bowls--including healthier options than offered by rivals. The premises were big-windowed and inviting, with a variety of seating, but draughty (April was chilly). On my first visit, an entertaining lady who sounded French, though she was blonde, was chirping, "Thank you very much" to every customer in a musical voice. To one guy she knew she bantered, "I know you are happy today because you've seen me". The next time I visited, a different blonde European lady was running the show, equally welcoming and on the ball. Either this branch knows just how to employ the right staff or they've struck lucky with these ladies. Makes such a difference on whether you go back. The first time, I had a toastie and tea, both very good. The second time, a good coffee and the "posh cheddar-and-pickle baguette". Everything was fresh and tasty about the baguette, though it had more pickle in it than I'd put on myself. (One disadvantage of Pret compared to, say, Subway or Pierre's baguettes, is that their baguettes are pre-wrapped, so you can't finesse the amount of relish or sauce to your taste.) So that's a learning curve--I plan to work out my Pret favourites over time.

Excellent. Great coffee. Great staff. Good location. Great food. Delicious. Good facilities. Make coffee quickly and to a high standard. Lots of variety in products.

Busy lunchtime and only two staff serving Two queues, as I got to the front of mine (after 10 mins) the server just disappeared, without saying anything ! Waited a further 5 mins whilst the manageress continued to serve the other line, ignoring me and chatting to customers. Not enough staff serving, those there are poorly trained, both management issues.

Always fresh, testy and healthy. We go regularly because we know we won't be disappointed. The staff is always lovely and patient.

Only one till open on a busy Saturday morning🤦🏻‍♂️!!! I was left standing at the front of a queue of an open till for five minutes to be told staff member wasn’t coming back. I joined the back of the only other queue, now the only till open behind six people. When I got to the front I pointed out that the other till was still open, that I have now have to queue twice, the staff member was just very rude and told me to be patient!!!! Totally unacceptable in a busy shop, in large town on a Saturday morning!!!

Good place to try for quick lunchtime snacks. Tables and chairs are abit uncomfortable but set up for quick service . Tried the spicy curry soup which was excellent.

The filter coffee here is the simply the best in town! The Pecan Brownies are essential too.I visit here everytime I'm in Reading shopping.

Always love a pret there earl grey tea is the best I’ve tasted, and the Christmas mince pies are to die for, best part of the day.

A treat from my daughter , very nice too Fresh tasty snacks , a lovely cup of coffee She uses it all the time and says it’s always very good

Same as all other prets, great food, always fresh, service is impecable! great place to grab a quick lunch

Lovely area to sit outside if like, always fresh sandwiches and salads. Not cheap for a quick sandwich shop visit but its consistently tasty and fresh - never any complaints. Reading branch seems clean and staff on tills friendly and serve customers quickly.

nice atmosphere and very good variety food, but slightly pricy, and now after refurbishments there is more space to sit and enjoy your tea/coffee

£1 difference to eat in and you have to eat on a tray cause they don't give you a plate to put your food on. Coffee tastes like burned maybe because they leave the coffee in the holder and the holder in the coffee machine and only after they serve other customers they decide to press the button to make the coffee. All that time the coffee burns. Plus when you frothing the milk it can't boil it need to be up to a 140F max to taste good. You can observe all this while you are waiting. Also they had 3 muffins and I asked if they have any more and was told no and then was told that she will make an exception and open a new pack that she had under the till. So you are keeping muffins under the till and tell customers you don't have any ? How is that possible ?

All the reviews for Pret seem to be for the Broad Street cafe however this one which is attached to the Oracle shopping centre is an excellent cafe. I have been coming here for quite a few years now and have never been disappointed. The staff are exceptionally friendly and the service is very good even when it is very busy which is quite often. The food is fresh and very good value and the filter coffee for 99p is flavoursome. If ever I am in Reading town centre I will always stop here for a coffee and a bite to eat. It has seating inside but I prefer to sit outside and watch the world go by.