Sweeney & Todd in Reading

We love this place and often grab a pie if we go into town and think what shall we have for dinner and are not sure. We will then grab a pie as we know we will have a delicious dinner and it’s cheaper than a takeaway and we are guaranteed a great meal. We have tried a few but our favourite is the steak and Stilton. The staff are so nice. We have eaten in there and it is like going back in the 1980s but again it’s a good meal cheap and good service. I advise takeout but that’s not to say it’s bad at all. Definitely visit

I first sampled a Sweeney & Todd pie in the 1980s. I rarely come to Reading so top of my list of things to do was to have a pie at Sweeney’s and work the rest of the itinerary around that. My boeuf bourguignon pie did not disappoint. A lovely proper pie, i.e. base and top, with a filling that matched its name. We shared a ratatouille as a side which went well with the pies. This is a surviving independent, their pies are one of the few things you can get in Reading that you can only get in Reading. They serve good ale too. My highlight of the day.

If it’s pies you are after then this is the place to go. What a selection of beautifully made delicious pies and lovely sides. A pie and a side each is more than plenty. Each pie is well constructed and jam packed full of ingredients. I had chicken and ham and it was packed with meat. With cauliflower cheese on the side and I was stuffed. Restaurant is full of character and friendly staff. Don’t come here if you want fine dining but if you want brilliant traditional food served in a place that’s been here for years then don’t hesitate. Can’t recommend it enough

Great pies, old school restaurant that has character, lovely staff. For over 45 years open and struggling with chain “restaurants” taking over and the expense of everything these days. Survived covid. Decent people making amazing real food. It should have local support. Once a place like this with incredible character and true real food is gone, it’s gone forever. Keep it alive and enjoy the best pies you will ever have. Use it or lose it.

First time I have been here the occasion was a friends birthday great atmosphere and very well priced enjoyed the experience

Perfectly kept pint as usual, friendly service and the pies are as good as ever. Harvey’s Best, Butcombe Bitter or Proper Job make a fine selection of ales. Pie with cauliflower cheese, then proper pudding with custard, all at a reasonable price. It’s a pleasure to support this gem, Reading’s finest.

Best pies we've ever had, full of flavour, perfectly seasoned and flakey, great size and amazing price! Gentleman is very friendly, polite and helpful. Tried 3 flavours, will be back to try more. Probably all. Highly recommend

'Old School' and all the better for it. Pies to die for. Puddings with custard. Draught beer. Exemplary service. I've died and gone to heaven. An extraordinary experience and well worth the hour and a half to get there.

Amazing pies! I lived in Reading for over 30 years and for some reason never experienced this place, now I've moved away, but came back for a visit, thought I'd try this place, brilliant! It's a nice quirky place with an amazing selection of delicious pies, run by a sweet couple, and they even have decent beer on tap!

Visited with friends, the last time was over 30 years ago! Still very friendly reception, great pies and great value for money! Will definitely not be leaving it another 30 years before coming again! We need to be supporting these little gems full of character!

Great pies and desserts -Pies packed with meat-Unique restaurant on Castle Street in the heart of Reading Is there anything else in the UK like it? All of us recommend it highly if you are in the Reading Area

Wow. Amazing flavours. Bought some pies to take away and our family loved them. We were visiting family who took us there so next time we visit them we will pop by and get many more to bring home! Caring and very proud owners and staff were very attentive, polite and courteous. A breath of fresh air for sure.

I have lived in Reading for 39 years, but visited Sweeney & Todd for the first time on Friday! Wow, what a little gem this place is, such character, friendly staff and great value pie dinner and drinks. I wish I had discovered it years ago. I will definitely be returning again very soon, and cannot wait to try another flavour pie.

This is one of the best pie shops in the country. Very traditional, very tasty and nice big portions. It hasn't changed much in 40 years but that's a very good thing

We decided to try Sweeney Todd's after my partner saw the shop outside and said we must go there, so today we did. Myself, partner and 9 Yr old daughter gave the Sweeney pie and chicken honey and mustard pie a try today. The homemade chips were amazing and gravy just topped everything off nicely. My 9 Yr old said it was the best pie ever and we would be back again as the pies were amazing. Service was lovely and nothing is too much trouble. We had a lovely conversation with the owners and heard all about who works there st the family business. If your hungry, love a pie and warm welcome it is definitely the place for you!

Very good start to the evening, amazing steak and Stilton pie and chips at a reasonable price. Very friendly service too

I've had eaten at S & T a few years ago and since returning to Reading decided to check them out. They didn't disappoint, a vast selection of inspirational Pies ,baked on the premises and the filling of these Pies ( vegetarian too) are excellent..they do not skimp on filling the pastry to the brim. We had Steak and Stilton and Yorkshire Ham,leeks Pies, mixed vegetables, chips. Good value for money, even known in downunder Australia !!! . Recommended.

Excellent pies and choice, friendly service and excellent value. Would recommend this for a meal with friends or family

A Reading institution that gets it right every time. The pie shop on Castle Hill (opposite Brew Dog) has legendary status in Reading. A shop at the front with a superb array of pies and quiches to takeaway, and a classic pub dining area behind the bar. The service is friendly, the choice of pies is generous, from locally sourced meat, poultry, game and veggie options. Sides are available for a bargain £2.50. Our food arrived in a reasonable time frame (no microwaves here), piping hot with a delicious crispy pastry (top and bottom, these are real pies, none of that pie crust nonsense). We had a chicken and leek, and a venison and boar, both were delicious and generously filled, absolute bargain at £8.50 each. The dessert menu is full of classics, steamed puddings, crumbles and cheesecake, all absolutely with cream, custard or icecream. The spotted dick was very tasty with a generous portion of custard, we'll definitely be back. Highly recommended if you want honest, crowd pleasing good food and friendly service.

Excellent food, great service, great atmosphere. Service was courteous and genuine. I can’t wait to go back, soon hopefully.

I had a delicious venison and wild boar pie, gravy and chips that was very filling. I would have been equally happy choosing any other of the dozen or so different pies available that night. Excellent value and the experience hadn't changed since I first visited in the 1980s when working round the corner at what was the Civic Centre and is now a community garden. As a previous reviewer said, it would have been five stars but you have to leave somewhere for the Michelin starred restaurants to go.

Anyone who's been out in Reading has seen the pie shop and probably been in on a night out, at least once or twice. But the mid-day is when it shines for me. The variety of pies available every day is mind boggling, and the...

What a great little find. Looks to be a pie shop but behind the curtain you will find a terrific place where you can order your Pie based meals and have a drink and relax. June was great as our order taker and all the...

A very warm welcome and very traditional in how the food was served and presented. Excellent value for money. We will certainly visit again.

The pies are as tasty and weighty as ever and the selection is still good. When I visted on a Monday lunchtime the restaurant was not open but the shop at the front was ...

I regularly buy their wonderful pies and there is a tremendous variety of them. Please don't forget the sausage rolls, as these too are great and their recommendations has spread to San Francisco via my son, who has been living in San Francisco for a...

Just moved back to Reading area after 20 years. First meal out had to be Sweeney Todds. It didn’t disappoint. Nor did the take home pies or the next 3 visits. Promised family a visit to Sweeneys but due to Staff shortage the restaurant was...

We were looking forward to visiting this pie centric place after hearing all about its reputation. Sadly we were a little disappointed, as my husband is the pie specialist of our family. The service was pretty good though, it was just a pity the pies...

I would give 5 stars but nothing then left for a michelin starred place. I have been a customer for many years, solo and with groups of up to 25, since they opened. Great value and very satisfying food. It is a very good shop...

Best pie shop always a great experience they also have a counter where you can take out highly recommend

Sweenies has adapted well to social distancing! Their pies are amazing and awesome value! Turkey and ham, Pie chips and peas with gravy my absolute fave... With lovely real ale to boot..

The food and service are wonderful, quick, nice and delicious. The puddings are truly British too, large portions.

Visit: 7.10.20 Thank you all very much. Excellent quality food & staff service. This was my first time in Reading and l am already looking forward to making a return visit. Stephen Davis. Hull.

Best ever pies, atmosphere and service. Not expensive either. All the pies are home made. Highly recommended.

On my recent visit to Reading, bought my first two pies ever from Sweeney's. I'm not going to give the standard rave, though, because I only liked one of the two. I thought I'd start with traditional pies that I can make an experienced judgement...

Lunch and a pint before going to a football match at the Madejski. Very quirky old fashioned place and I can see why it's a local institution. I'm not a big pie lover as I try to keep off saturated fats, but if I'm going...

Four of us went for a pies lunch at Sweeney and Todd just off St Mary's Butts in Castle Street, central Reading. Up the steps, through the fascinating tiny shop, past the small bar with its beer hand pumps and smiling barman, past the curtained booths to a bright "back room" with comfortable chairs and small tables. It got even better when the staff greeted us with enjoyable friendly chat about the menu and the history of "Sweeney's". If you enjoy traditional home made pies, veg and real ale this is the place to come. Great choice of traditional puddings too! Excellent prompt service, lovely staff and a memorable tasty hot meal.

Este es un lugar legendario en Reading, por lo que estamos algo retrasados en descubrirlo. El entorno podría describirse caritativamente como rústico y tradicional, lo que se suma al encanto. El servicio podría describirse mejor como lento y casi ausente. Sin embargo, las verdaderas estrellas son los pasteles, que son generosos y sabrosos.

Wow what an amazingly Pie Restaurant Recommended to this pie restaurant in reading. Every type of pie you can think of.Very highly recommended, not to be missed.Great staff, good location, reasonable price, excellent food, parking a little difficult. Check it out.Steve & Geoff UK

Como alguien ha dicho, una institución de lectura. Propiedad de un carnicero, creo. Un montón de pasteles de carne y ensalada. Vino bien elegido y una buena selección de amargo. Uno de los pocos lugares ingleses auténticos en el sureste. A menudo ordeno los pasteles fríos. El pastel de carne picada es un poco salado, incluso para mí que ama la sal. Por lo general, tengo el bistec y el riñón, frío.

Un buen maestro, aunque no especialmente ocupado el sábado por la noche. Buena selección de pasteles que son muy abundantes. Si vas por las verduras, el ratatouille es bueno. Alguien dijo que no obtienes papas fritas en la noche. Lo hicimos y muy bien ellos también. Los pudines están bien, pero estábamos muy llenos, no lo hicimos. Este no es un restaurante elegante con precios que coincidan. ¡Es buena comida a un precio excelente!

Great pies. Excellent value and part of the history of Reading. Even Australian friends have confirmed Sweeney pies are the best.

Visité con amigos. Gran selección de pasteles.He estado viniendo aquí desde la década de 1990 y todavía visito una vez al mes.En esta ocasión tengo un pastel de filete y Stilton acompañado de queso de coliflor y una pinta de cerveza.Tuve queso y galletas para después.Nota.No pidas papas fritas.

I live abroad so can only visit once a year. Every year I come I am more impressed with the care and food

Love this place. It's not flash, it's not pretentious, it's just great. At the end of a long day of corporate b/s this is the best place in the world to relax and gorge on some comfort food. Great range of pies, all fantastic. Pick with a pin,I unless you have allergies, and you won't be disappointed!

A very large group of us booked for dinner on Friday evening. Service was much quicker than expected, even with all pies being cooked to order. Portions were plentiful for all courses. Would visit again if in the area.

Un gran grupo de nosotros reservamos para la cena y temíamos que llevaría mucho tiempo ser atendido. No un poco de eso. Los pedidos se tomaron de manera eficiente y pronto llegaron deliciosos pasteles con ensalada o verduras como cada uno de nosotros quería. Porciones generosas y una increíble variedad de rellenos. ¡No queda espacio para un budín! Valor excelente.

Great pies! Loads of choice. Service was good. Only thing to be aware of is they don’t serve chips on an evening. No room for desert though as the pies are very filling!

Best pies in the World! Proper FULL pies. Recommend the 5 Nations pie - Scottish beef, Welsh leeks, Irish Guinness, English mustard, French garlic. Lush!!!

The very best Pies that you cn find ever, great selection, fantasic service. Parking is a little difficult, but very well; worth the effort. Highley and seriously recommend.

Nos encontramos con este pequeño café a la hora del almuerzo. Para llegar al café, tienes que caminar por la tienda. No hay tantas tablas, por lo que se llenó rápidamente.

The range of pies is somewhat unbelievable. These are typical British pies, something I miss as I now live in Ecuador. The bar serves some good real ales.

Después de un día en el Royal Ascot, nos alojamos en el Travelodge en Reading, así que seleccionamos este lugar porque había leído buenas críticas y no nos decepcionó. Fui por el pastel de carne - mi hijo el filete y el champiñón - ambos eran muy buenos - solo tenía guisantes como extra. Muy abundante y satisfactorio, pero sabroso también. El personal era servicial y seguimos con un dulce también. Definitivamente recomiendo este lugar - en una calle trasera, así que no es un lugar al que te encuentres por accidente - vale la pena una visita.

We went here for dinner and had a terrific meal. From the outside we weren’t sure if it was actually a restaurant as they have a deli case in the front and sell items to go. The restaurant area is in the back. I got a chicken and sweet corn meat pie, it was the best I had while visiting England, all white meat, sweet corn and gravy, delicious! My husband got a Cajun one that he liked but he tried mine and liked it better. The prices were very reasonable. Would highly recommend Sweeney Todd.

This is a quaint old fashioned pie shop just around the corner from the Broad Street shopping mall. Around 20 choices to pick from and reasonably cheap too. This is a must!

Been going here for over 30 years. Absolutely love the food all home cooked and fresh. Lovely family run restaurant. Not your usual posh place but more like home from home. Can’t sing the praises of the food enough. They have about 20-25 fillings for the pies which is their speciality. Lovely quiches and roasts. You will thank me...

¡Somos tan afortunados de tener esta joya donde vivimos! Hemos sido clientes regulares desde hace unos años. Por lo menos dos veces al mes compramos pasteles aquí para nuestra cena del sábado en casa. ¡Son las mejores tartas que puedes conseguir! ¡Jenine detrás del mostrador siempre es alegre y muy acogedora!

been years since I had been to Sweeney & Todd's but I won't leave it as long this time. Great steak & oyster pie (proper pie not a lid!) and ended up bringing away 3 pies for my tea, lunch and breakfast!

Great food and service. Foods amazing!! Great hearty food. Small but very friendly and accommodating

Excellent food, great service, beer was good. Just walked in, and asked for a table, food was quick, and home made. I'm amazed that it wasn't busier!

I myself had a steak and Stilton pie, my partner had a pork and apple, and we had a side of cauliflower cheese. Don’t get my wrong the food was fine.. just very avarage. Though for £7 a pie I was hoping for more of a varied filling.. my pie was literally just steak and Stilton.. no veg or even lingering flavours other than the 2 ingredients listed. Sides could have been slightly cheaper for what they were ! I also had a glass of whisky which tasted like a very cheap.. but it is a pie shop so not the end of the world.

The loveliest staff, tastiest food and friendliest atmosphere! Truly excellent and great prices. I love coming here whenever I’m able! Don’t forget to save room for dessert.

Oh dear! I should have read the reviews first! Not that it would have made the slightest bit of difference. Would have come here anyway. I would have realised they didn’t serve mashed potato! A pie place not serving mash? What is the world coming to?

Was forced to visit Reading on business. I used to regularly visit Sweeney & Todd when I lived in the town a few years ago, the pies were always top quality, and packed to the lid with filling. . . I dropped in for a Steak and Ale, thinking I was going to be in for a treat. . What a disappointment, the pastry was half baked and slimy, and the filling sadly lacking. I should have guessed by the weight that all was not well. A few bits of grisly stewing steak in a congealed dollop of gravy looking stuff. I guess things never stay the same, but this scabby pie was beyond a joke. Proper manky.

I hit pay-dirt today. Within five minutes’ walk of the anonymity of Broad Street Mall is a seam of old gold in the form of Sweeney & Todd’s, makers of award-winning pies. On display in the tiny frontage is a truly naughty selection of plump, golden-crusted pasties, pies and sausage rolls. “Come hither!” they seem to beckon. I succumb easily to temptation, and once inside, it’s too late to turn back.

Having lived in Reading for 8 years, I had yet to visit Sweeney & Todds, and only recently visiting for the first time this month! I've been back there again since my first visit!

My husband and I went for dinner here ,on our arrival we were welcomed by the owner and her son ,they made us welcome ,the food is very good here ,my husband had one off there delicious pies and I chose there quiche ,all came with a choice off vegetables,potatoes,jacket potato,and the deserts we had were good too ,a nice list to choose from ,all in all a lovely restaurants,with friendly staff ,ideal if you want something a little different in reading ,as it's so near to the hexagon,ideal place to eat before a show ,it has an upstairs and downstairs for eating and a takeaway to the front which is also very good .

A cold winters evening, half an inch of snow on the ground that had obviously brought the country to a grinding halt what could be better than a hot pie? This was my first visit to Sweeney & Todd and what a great experience it was. There are no frills to the restaurant and if you don’t like pies then this won’t be the place for you - but you are wrong who doesn’t like pies.

I love a pie! If you love a pie as much as I do then this place is for you. Full crusted pies with every filling you can imagine and some you haven't .... yet! Really tasty, gravy on the side nom nom! And if you haven't had enough of pies in the restaurant there is a deli out front if you want to buy pies to go.

¡Visité Sweeney & Todds por segunda vez desde que salí de la lectura, había pubs allí hace 13 años! ! Esta tienda no ha cambiado en todos estos años, lo cual es bueno, ¡aún así, la mejor tienda de pasteles en Inglaterra, tengo un pub en Oxford y estará aquí todos los lunes! ! ! . . . ?. .

Shop at the front, restaurant (serving pies of course) at the back.

Recently visited once again and as always found the food, ale and service to be of the highest order. This is a must visit establishment for everyone who appreciates excellent value for money food.

Estoy en un poco de comida de la increíble cena navideña Pie, patatas fritas caseras y queso de coliflor. Se sirve v rápidamente, comida deliciosa ya un precio razonable. El pudín era toffee pegajoso y fue increíble. Me encanta este lugar, el encanto de la vieja escuela, excelente servicio, excelente comida. ¿Qué más se puede pedir? Bueno, excepto por una banda gástrica por las calorías consumidas!

No hemos estado por algunos años, pero nos hicimos amigos que amaban las tartas y nunca lo habían hecho. Ya no hay puré ni licor, la camarera no parecía saber mucho sobre nada y las tartas no eran tan buenas como solían ser. Incluso el queso de coliflor era bastante insípido. Realmente decepcionado ya que habíamos dicho lo bueno que era. No volveremos apresuradamente hacia atrás.

I like sweeney todds for the great food, honest service and quick service. The prices are very very reasonable and very happy to go again only problem is that what one to choose next.

Sweeney & Todd is the pie-lover's heaven. An eclectic variety of delicious dishes combined with 5* service and truly wonderful and friendly people. This restaurant is a true bastion of Reading's history and, with its own rich history, a cornerstone of culture.

Steak and oyster pie and a huge bowl of coleslaw. It’s an institution and not to be missed. Visit before it’s gone....

Every pie I have had from Sweeney Todds has been amazing. Never had an issue them! The staff are always friendly and respectful, always service with a smile. Highly recommended.

Vistiing sweeneys for the first time this year i realised my first visit was in 1994 and i was getting close to my silver anniversary. Not sure there is a pie to celebrate that , but there is a pie for pretty much everything else and there is a choice of well over 20 pies to pick from.

Went for a cup of tea and ended up with the pasty selection. Good quality food, served by very amiable staff. We purchased some pies, my choice was the beef and oyster! Looking forward to an evening meal there with the family.

An old favourite to many locals, still providing excellent service and quaint charm. Situated 5 minutes walking distance from the modernised town centre. Offering flavoursome pies and pastries for all at a recommendable price.

Was in town and never been in before, so decided to give them a try. The very name Sweeny Todds, or in this instance, Sweeny and Todd, suggests you'll get a good pie.

Very good restaurant serving well filled award winning pies that have great pastry as well. Located in Castle Street in Reading. Easy to find.

Veníamos en plan familia a comer algo típico Británico ... para empezar el restaurant estaba vacío completamente, si te fijas en el piso del restaurant estaba sucio... la entrada era como un pequeño boliche donde compras a la rápida por la noche ... luego la recepción de la garzona (una señora de adulta) nos tomó la orden para comer y estaba muy enfadada ya que le pedí que me diera una bebida en lata o en botella y no algo desvanecido que lo sacaron de la máquina ... cuando llego la comida era como si hubieran comprado el Pie en Tesco ... muy insípido y nada bien preparado ... el vaso donde me llevaron la bebida estaba completamente sucio donde veías las huellas de otras personas ... la verdad no me gusto ... llegue a este sitio leyendo referencias ... pero la verdad no me esperaba algo tan malo.

I adore Sweeney Todd and should have reviews before and myself and my girlfriend go regularly. Great service, amazing prices and phenomenal selection

Brilliant pies and an amazing selection to choose from. Whole family enjoyed what they had. Helpings good size for late lunch. Good choice of beer. friendly and helpful staff.

Again amazing pies had a great choice of flavoured pies. Pie for everyone. I had a leek and stilton pie. wow the taste was amazing, better than the last time

As a pie shop the restaurant serves amazing pies. But it's a shame about the rest.

Went with a friend for lunch. Place we pretty quiet. The pies were nice but the rest of the food was disappointing and the beer wasn't cheap. Very downmarket surroundings.

The pies are solid, good value. The vegetables are separate, and I would recommend getting one, they seem expensive on the menu, but you get a lot. The atmosphere was good, and the service was friendly and quick.

Wow selection of pies is wide you will be able to find one to suit everyone. They are really tasty. Can eat in or take away. All freshly baked.

Pros: This place is very quiet.

Was recommended to me. I was not disappointed. The pies are allegedly thebest in berkshire. After eating here I could not disagree. Would highly recommend popping in for lunch or dinner. But the takeaway service is worth a visit alone. Very big range of pies that could feed a small family.

Pre football meal in the centre of Reading. A huge choice of homemade pies, you name them they had them. Great chips and superb Adnams beer. Quick friendly service. The place was full at lunchtime and no wonder. Not gourmet food by any means and rustic surroundings but just what the doctor ordered.

Been to Sweeney's many times. I've never had a bad pie from there, and the sheer variety of pies... there's loads of different flavours (though the one criticism would be not enough vegetarian options), with some available all the time, and other seasonal ones. The Christmas pie is a particular favourite of mine.

Amazing please loads of little places to sit very cosy Staff are Amazing very Polite and Chattie food well Pies are Scrummy filled up to the top favourite is Steak and kidney also steak and Brea a must for all pie lovers simply awesome.

Pies and quiches galore with so many varieties and all 'home made'. One can buy cold ones over the shop counter to take home or have a hot one for lunch. There is a printed menu but the waitress told us of other 'specials' for the day (one of today's was Hare and Cherry). Every day there is a different variety. They are proper pies, meaning that there is a pastry base as well as the pastry top (not like restaurants that offer pies but all you get is a stew with a pastry lid. That's not a pie). These pies were perfect in flavour and size. And there's a bar. My friend had Lamb Curry pie and I chose Chicken, Broccoli and Stilton pie. I also bought two Hare and Cherry pies to take home). If you are in Reading for lunch, Go and look for Sweeney & Todd.

Best pies in reading! Great for a take out lunch or a sit down with some friends. They offer chips at lunch and potatoes in the evening. A great selection of pies, would recommend the steak and Stilton.

My fiancé and I used to love coming here for lunch when we lived in Reading. There was always a great selection of heart warming pies- our favourites being ‘venison & boar’ and ‘chicken & leek’. The service was always great. We usually went down to the basement; with it’s alcoves making a really enjoyable, intimate atmosphere to have lunch.

We went as a group of 8 and the building is very quirky with lots of nooks and crannies. The pies were very tasty and plenty of food for everyone. Very enjoyable experience