WorkHouse Coffee in Reading

Visited in a recommendation as I had half an hour to kill. So glad I did! Simply the best coffee I have ever had in any coffee shop ( I’ve tried many). Really friendly service and quality coffee. They also have a good choice of beans (they will grind if needed) to buy and take away . Cakes aren’t bad either 😃. If you are serious about your coffee or just like good coffee in a relaxed setting, this is the place to go!

It's a nice coffee house and they open early! Good bagels but I find the coffee quite tart! Please consider changing the beans. You make the coffee well but it's the beans I think but I also get how that's down to personal taste. Best coffee in reading is at Shed cafe. Try their coffee and then try yours and you'll notice the difference in quality. You'll get more business if you increase the quality of your coffee. Just my 2 cents :)

Great choice of coffee from different parts of the world with friendly informal service. Seating area is bland and functional, with windows looking out onto a courtyard filled with bikes. For toilets you are directed into the George Hotel Entrance which was a strange experience (I'm not sure if it is a regular hotel anymore as the reception area was like no other hotel reception); I used the disabled toilet which was perfectly clean.

Excellent locally owned business with fine coffee and food. Seats inside sometimes with local art on the walls. When the weather is good can sit outside in the courtyard. Coffee beans and ground coffee available to buy.

The staff is very friendly. The Atmosphere is so cozy and nice decoration. This shop has very good smell coffee. I love here!

The espresso was so bitter, even with sugar, that we left half of it. We had croissants which without being asked were heated in a panini machine such that they were flat and overcooked. We 'fired' this place a few years ago on hygiene grounds but wanted a quick bite and were in a hurry. Shan't make this mistake again.

Always keen to support the independent and assured by a 5 star council rating for hygiene. Felt like a pop up which I don’t mind, I admire quirky and don’t want the blueprint formal of coffee chains, but there is room for improvement. Was there any one running the shop? How many times did I need to clarify my, clearly unique, order of an americano?! Staff really need to listen and understand not just serving but winning and keeping the customer. There is a charm to this establishment but there is need for tightening service and focus. The acoustics of the building are really not designed for shouting out the drink at the counter. I did enjoy my coffee.

Went with a friend (have been once before, in 2017?); my friend got a coffee with dairy-free milk and I got a hot chocolate. The hot chocolate was good - not too sweet, which I like. My friend enjoyed their coffee too. It was warm, the local art up on the walls (for sale too) was a nice touch and the barista was friendly and welcoming. My only critique would be charging 50p extra for dairy-free milk. It is becoming more the norm to have vegan/dairy-free options, I would reduce that charge or take it away, if it is possible.

Very rude customer service!!! Pretty average coffee quality. Food even worst (dried out pastries and stale sandwiches - all food stored on the counter, directly where all customers sneeze around and hand out money. This café looks and feels like a barn or garage, and has nothing to do with a cosy, clean and inviting place to sit down and enjoy your drink.

Absolutely unprofessional service and attitude towards a customer. I popped in a few times for an espresso and every time I got a cold one. I kindly asked if I could get one with an appropriate temperature, and every time the member of staff ignored my question and was looking at me to made me feel uncomfortable. It looks like they don’t have any idea about common standards. This is very sad and unacceptable. I will never come again. I also spoke with my local friends about my experience with Workhouse Coffee. They shared very similar thoughts. Everyone was feeling embarrassed during every visit at Workhouse Coffee. . Better to avoid!!!

The coffee here is quality, every time, for years! A staple go to :) Both in the town centre and Oxford Rd.

Really friendly lady served me today , it was great to enter the establishment and be served by such a nice member of staff Had a long black- best coffee in Reading for sure. This was my first visit - would recommend and will be back for sure !

This is a lovely independent coffee shop. The staff were very friendly, the seating was nice, and most importantly the coffee was delicious! We both had iced chai lattes.

I had the most amazing chai latte milkshake at this cafe and it was served to me by a kind and beautiful waitress called Lauren or Laura as I recall, the service was speedy and well mannered. Would definitely recommend this place to anyone to try as me and my family loved it. I especially recommend the milkshake and hope Lauren stays to serve you all too.

Another amazing visit!!! Amazing cakes and coffee was sublime! Big shout out to Steve (we had to ask his name) who took the time to discuss our bean purchase. We were being slightly picky. But Steve’s confidence in guiding us. Allowing us to taste was amazing. Just had our first coffee from our Kenya beans! AMAZING. See you again very soon.

Pasé por un café, ¡terminé quedándome por tres! Gran ambiente, nunca me sentí molestado por el personal. Increíble pastel de café y nueces en mi opinión honesta, fácilmente el mejor que he probado en un café y es mi pastel favorito, ¡tan bueno que compré una porción extra para tomar con mi café en casa hoy! ?¡Gracias!

Tan pronto como entramos, no nos sentimos muy bienvenidos, una cosa que debo señalar es que no vi ningún tablero de menú que nos llevó a elegir sus cafés estándar. Tomamos un capuchino con café con leche, en general muy bueno por el precio, pero el único inconveniente para nosotros fue que no tenían ningún menú para que pudiéramos navegar ni ninguna señal de alternativas a la leche.

Went today for the first time because Starbucks across the road was too busy. The flat white was freshly made but it was lukewarm because the milk hadn’t been frothed long enough. Disappointing

This place makes a great coffee. the cakes they offer are also very good. I like the vibe in the sitting area, although it could use a renovation :)

I’ve been going to this coffee shop for more than a year now! It’s independent, does amazing coffee and their cakes are amazing! I’ve recommended it to lots of friends and now they love going here as well. One thing I really like is that I’m badly allergic to nuts and most coffee shops store their cakes all together so I can normally have none of them as they’ve all touched and used the same utensils.But here they’re all stored separately and I’ve never had an issue

Workhouse, Gardens of Caversham (establecimiento hermano), Nisby’s, Tamp Culture y Picnic son los únicos lugares a los que iré a tomar un café en Reading, ya que evito deliberadamente las cadenas corporativas. He estado aquí innumerables veces y el café siempre es bueno, sabroso y caliente. La decoración es un poco áspera y lista, pero las quiches son increíbles, al igual que la llovizna de limón. Muy buen toque compartir el patio al aire libre con The George, un gran lugar al aire libre en verano. La lectura necesita más independientes, especialmente aquellos que tuestan sus frijoles en las instalaciones, pagan impuestos y tienen tazas para llevar reciclables para cuando haya olvidado el mío. .

Nice little coffee shop but the service and quality of coffee doesn't justify the price. I need to add a couple of extra words to make the 100 character limit.

I’ve been visiting WorkHouse Coffee since 2015, regularly 2/3 sometimes 4 times a week. Alone, with my partner, with my toddler (that is about the same age of the owner’s son) or with friends. And I love the coffee and most of the staff. But today I had a completely different experience, I went in the morning for a take away latte, and because I’m pregnant and can’t have much coffee I do like to have a good coffee! When I ordered I was going to pay by card £2.90. Now, I knew before there was a limit on the card payments but last week I was able to pay just £2.90 on the card and today I was refused so, I then asked why as last week I was able to, I was answered that last time they were just nice and they did it to me. As a loyal costumer I did say, I do come here a lot, can I pay by card as I thought you guys have had changed that “policies” . The girls looked at me with a blunt smile saying no. When I left I say thank you goodbye and I heard a rude “bye” in a singing matter as they were laughing at me. Despite saying I was very chocked being treated in sort way, specially I work myself in hospitality I would never speak or act in such way to none of my costumers even less if it’s a regular and if she’s pregnant ! I will probably choose a different place to go now on.

Visited with work colleagues when we had some time to kill before a meeting. I hate chains and try to avoid them when I can so it was nice to spot a cozy looking indie place. Location in an old, timber framed building, is lovely, and interior really nice & cozy. Staff were very friendly - both the person taking the order & the barrister. Cakes looked tempting but I refrained and had a cup of decaf Americano which was good. My colleagues ordered drinks and cakes and were impressed with the offerings! A nice, indie place place worthy of patronage! Stop by when you're in Reading!!

Quedé atrapado pagando demasiado por una taza de café y pastel mediocres, principalmente debido al hecho de que Workhouse Coffee no muestra sus precios para que los nuevos clientes tomen una decisión informada y debo admitir que era demasiado tímido para preguntar antes de comprar. Más me engañan, soy un pobre y tímido amante del café y no volveré.

Me encanta este lugar, me encantan las miradas, la extravagancia y la sensación de estar retrocediendo en el tiempo caminando por el callejón empedrado.El servicio es excelente: recomiendan un café según sus preferencias y tienen muchos cafés nuevos. Estupendo para acompañar a alguien, así que puedes elegir un pastel para cada uno y dividirlo, ya que es difícil elegirlo. Normalmente no soy una persona de rollo de salchicha, pero partí a la mitad con un amigo, un rollo de salchicha hecho en casa, wow, nunca pensé que pudieran saber tan bien.Es encantador en el verano, ya que hay bancos en el patio y es un verdadero lugar para tomar el sol.

Visité tu sucursal de Caversham hoy. Al principio no me di cuenta de que era parte de la misma compañía.Como a menudo visito tu sucursal de Oxford Road.Me hicieron un hermoso café con leche, fue perfecto. También tuve una conversación encantadora con un caballero con una camisa azul, me hizo sentir muy cómodo con su actitud amable y su deseo de mantener al cliente contento e informado. Fui por su recomendación de un quiche de salmón y un brownie para el desierto! Fui tentado por los increíbles rollos de salchicha! ¡El mismo caballero explicó que podría ir bien con un café más tarde! Y podría empaquetarlo para llevar. Él estaba en lo correcto. ¡Lo estoy disfrutando ahora! ! Es gente como él la que crea un ambiente en una cafetería. Y hacer que una anciana como yo quiera volver.Volveré mañana para otro brownie. ! !

I find the coffee in most coffee shops too hot and have to wait 10mins before drinking it. Not here, the temperature was perfect.

I saw a post on Facebook that this coffee house had won an award... it didn’t disappoint, the coffee was great... the service was good... and the chocolate brownie and granola bar!

I am come to Workhouse lots and today I felt embarrassed bringing my family here and experiencing the terrible service. If the server was stressed, fine but no need to take it out on us!! We ordered coffee and cakes, we asked about the cake and the response was ‘ just give me a minute’ in a surly tone. After grabbing the mediocre cake she threw the tongs in the sink. Really were we inconveniencing you in purchasing the coffees and cake from you?

The location is very good, in the City centre, but the place itself looks kind od ourdated;

I love the cakes in this place and the relaxed atmosphere of the sitting area. I've been there 3 times recently. However the coffee is a mess. Always lukewarm and they insist on putting the sugar in for you, which often results in me either having to go back for more, or having too sugary coffee.

The coffee here was not warm but the cake was delicious! I sat out in a lovely sun trap garden so the surroundings are nice but I had to clear the table myself and the ashtray hadn’t been emptied for some time. I asked the waiter for a some water when the cake arrived and told to go in and get it myself. A smile would have been nice.

Really lovely coffee and a nice independent coffee shop instead of going to a chain shop, which there are many in Reading. Friendly staff and great service, food looked delicious too although we did not try it. They had sausage rolls, sandwiches, cakes, pastries, quiches and tarts.

Colourful and warm indoor cafe with plane relaxing decor and custom made bean bags. Hop in for a delicious quiche lauren, croissants and a curious coffee variety.. I like it!

I’ve visited this place a few times over the years. It should be a nice break from the chains across the road. Almost every visit the coffee is just not warm enough. Is this a ploy to make people drink fast and leave?

I used to live only 5 minutes away from that street and therefore have tried all coffee houses nearby. This is definitely my favourite. Fresh coffee, nice cakes and good atmosphere. They have an excellent chicken quiche served only in the weekend. Now moving to London, I really struggle to find that quiche anywhere - maybe one of the motivation for me to go back to Reading once in a while.

We choose this coffee shop in a area of 5 coffee shops, one on each corner.

I made a beeline for this coffee shop when I had a lot of time to spare between trains at Reading station - it proved to be well worth the short walk. A near perfect flat white (their own roast) in very pleasant surroundings.

Yet another oversized cappuccino. Also purchased some food that was toasted. I'm sure food should not be hot enough to burn the skin on the roof of the mouth. Very average. I'm also not keen in the mechanism to receive your drink.

We liked the place and the food. The service was all right excepting the manager, Tif. She made everything a big problem, doesn't matter what we were saying or asking that she was looking pissed off. We thought it is a shame as the rest of the service is very nice and the place is lovely.

Only just discovered this great place in the centre of Reading. Been looking for somewhere that does proper cakes rather than all the muffins and tray bakes everywhere else does! The cake selection here is wonderful and the guy behind the counter talked me through them all very passionately. I had the lime drizzle, which was delicious. Need to go back to work through the rest! The coffee was really good too - one of the best I have had. I find some of the big chain coffees rather too strong and bitter, but this had a lovely smooth taste. I also liked the atmosphere, decor and friendly staff.

Interesting shabby decor. Not particularly comfortable seating arrangements. Americano was quite passable. What I was annoyed by was being told of a £5 minimum spend when using a contactless debit card. If I hadn't ordered already and the coffee was started I would have left. As it is this is so untypical of coffee shops generally ( and I visit a lot) that I will not return. The person on the till was also not responsive to my objections, just an expressionless "it's not my fault - company policy"

Great venue with exceptional service particularly from the young female barista who told us that she was only sixteen; quite frankly blown away with her knowledge and general demeanour. Coffee and cake 4/5 Service 5/5!

This used to be the best coffee shop in Reading. Sadly not any more. Tables were dirty, in fact the place as a whole is looking a bit messy with dirty vents and cobwebs. Then there is the service. Admittedly we pushed the limit by asking for our coffee at the same time as hot food. However, that shouldn't be impossible? And when the food arrived the sausage roll was missing 20% When I pay just under £16 for two coffees and some food I expect to get all that I have paid for. Thankfully the missing part of the sausage roll was replaced. Finally it took some attempts to find a cup that wasn't chipped. Maybe that's the fashion now, hot food cold coffee in a chipped cup on a dirty table! Thankfully other coffee shops maintain their service and hygiene standards.

The grey, wet weather had me hunting for a coffee on a return visit to my home town of Reading. This was my first visit to Workhouse Coffee. It’s easily found in the courtyard of The George Hotel at the bottom of Broad Street and is well worth searching out. A lovely range of savouries and cakes are on offer but the coffee is simply fab’; the best flat white I’ve had for a very long time. At least a dozen different bean varieties mean that you are spoilt for choice. I’ll be back....

I love the atmosphere of the Workhouse, the mix of industrial and rustic in a Georgian building. I also love the coffee, quiches, cakes and sausage rolls (I particularly recommend the latter and the cherry tomato quiche). What does let it down is that nowadays they tend to play the radio quite loudly, usually Radio One. Seriously, for a place where people like to talk, read, work or simply have a quiet moment, this is just not on. Find some good (quiet) background music, or simply switch it off. Check out CUP - they get that one right.

We had coffees here at 9am one morning. The coffee was excellent. However the tables were absolutely filthy. I struggled to find a clean one and ended up cleaning one myself with baby wipes. These tables had not been cleaned than day and I did wonder when they had last been given a good scrub. The children’s high chair also needed a good clean.

Lovely cake and coffee on a afternoon. I strongly recommend this gem of a cafe for coffee and cakes. The atmosphere is lovely and the staff very friendly and helpful.

These guys have spoilt me for coffee in general. Everything else just does not do it. After real Ethiopian, the rest does not work.

My daughter and I enjoyed amazing coffee here today. I wasn’t sure what blend to go for. One of the assailants asked what type of coffee I enjoyed and then recommended a specific blend. It was really the best coffee I think I have ever had. We also shared a walnut and coffee cake that was equally delicious. Lovely atmosphere and very friendly staff. Coffee shop was clean and tidy. Lovely old surroundings.

My Daughter recommended it here and she was so right Really friendly and obviously great coffee Love also breaking away from the mainstream chains Please tey

Sadly in decline. Compared to its early years, Workshouse coffee is now often far too milky, too cool, and lacking in flavour apart from a bitter after-taste. Not keen on atmosphere in main shop; staff are too keen to have your order as soon as your foot hits the doorstep, it leaves you feeling hassled and like the turn-around is too quick. They respond poorly if you send back your coffee. In general there’s a cliquey atmosphere in which the customer is irrelevant and the faux rustic décor is at odds with the style of running the place. New satellite shop in Dee Park is interesting, looks attractive and will hopefully be a good addition to the area. Oxford Road branch is valuable but needs more attention from management. A good company that needs to get its focus back.

A bit disappointed really, as they proclaimed that coffee is what they do, have (membership) certificates on the back wall, and an award section on the website... but there was just too much milk in my flat white. The coffee notes were so faint, and the milk just overpowered it. It was an expensive trip for a drink I didn't enjoy! The two people serving and making were friendly and helpful, and the service was very good.

If you're looking for a comfortable, stylish place to have a drink, this is not it. There are no sofas, there are hard seats and coffee sacks to sit on, it's pretty basic. Not great for wheelchair access and not clear where the toilets are.

Always great for a decent cup of coffee and makes a great change from all the chain coffee shops in the area. The cakes are all very tempting as well

We were looking for somewhere to have coffee in Reading and thought this hotel would have more character than the usual chains. On entry 3 or 4 female staff called out hello but they seemed inexperienced. We were told when our drinks were ready they would be put on the wooden shelf opposite although they weren't busy. The seating area was very basic taking shabby chic or industrial to a new level with wooden seating against the wall roughly made from hardboard and with no paint or cushions. The toilet in the main building was unflushed because the flush wasn't very efficient and the toilet roll dispenser was empty. The coffee was good however and there was a good selection of cakes but we wouldn't return.

This is a thriving coffeee shop right in the centre of Reading with a wide range of very appealling looking cakes. It offers the full range of coffees with a wide range of origins of bean eg Ethiopia, Nicaragua, Costa Rica etc. The only downside is it is noticeably more expensive than an average coffee shop.

I’ve been here several times but only for a drink, not food. The coffee is good, much better than the big chains. I enjoy the rustic ambience, it has soul. Still can’t tell the difference between their flat white and latte but it tastes fine.

We've dropped in 3 times in the last week and on every occasion the coffee has been delicious, the granola bars a treat and all served up with professional friendly service. Five stars from us :)

Right across the street from Starbucks and worth crossing the street. Coffee seems a bit more "small batch" with lots to choose from. Still quick but custom service.

Went there today after meeting my good friend after 9 years. What a great venue to catch up in. Comfortable setting and the coffee was delicious. I had the chocolate orange tart and was really rich and delicious. Highly recommend this place and the staff were very very friendly. Top skills!

So great coffees and so relaxing place, the seats are interesting also and the staff is friendly and helpful.

I have to say I usually love workhouse, and I go here because the coffee is good and the people actually seem to care, unlike Costa and all the others. However today when I went in the barista seem to not care at all and just dumped the milk in, slapped the lid on and seemed to just want to me to go. It was disappointing because this lack of care is why I don't go to chains like Costa etc. I will give them another shot but maybe consider talking to your Baristas?

Coffee not as hot or as strong as would have liked, but I am very fussy with coffee. Home-made cake selection excellent. Interesting decor. NOT COSTA - hoorah!

Why have I always walked by this place and not gone in?!

Came in for lunch yesterday with a colleague and the food was nice, but a sausage roll, x2 panini, coffee and tea shouldn't be costing anywhere near £20, let alone costing more!

Upon moving to Reading recently, I was told that I should definitely visit Workhouse Coffee which is apparently one of the most highly rated coffee shops in Britain. My boyfriend and I had a slice of cake each and he had a coffee. While he really enjoyed the coffee, and the cake was delicious, it came to £12 which was a bit of a shock for what we purchased. There was no indication as to what the price for each item was until it was put through the till, and it was so busy that it seemed pointless to ask the staff for a run-down. The price, and the lack of a menu or pricing lose a star each. However, the selection of cakes and coffees were amazing and the staff were extremely friendly and kind, ensuring we were comfortable and wishing us a good day when we left. A great place but could do with some minor alterations.

The coffee is always great and so is the food. Staff are always lovely. The problem is the interior which is just awful. Not only does it look outdated and not very inviting, the seats are hard and uncomfortable. The food is also not labeled, this is just really inconvenient as I don't want to point at every cake and ask what is in it. This is such a small and simple thing that they could change to improve customer service. I don't really understand their reluctance to label things (and show prices!). But if you want a great coffee for takeaway, then this is the place to go.

I popped into WorkHouse Coffee in May 2017 with a friend, asking her to pick to a cake and drink for me to buy as a treat. She picked an apple tart and a tea, while I had an apricot tart and tea. While I'm not stingy, I was taken aback to be told that I would be charged over £14! Not only were the teas made in mugs, rather than in teapots, but there was no menu detailing prices of food or drinks. I have never done a TripAdvisor review before, but I feel very strongly that it is misleading not to provide customers with basic information. There are discrete ways to display this information, and I feel it is misleading not to inform customers of these (high) prices. I will continue to avoid WorkHouse (a real shame, as their food is delicious!) until this is resolved.

I had a chocolate brownie, it was a large portion and extremely delicious also we had a fruit and nut cake which was also very good .To go with this my parents had a cappuccino , I had elderflower pressé . Overall this place is brilliant I highly recommend this café.

Flat white is £2.80 which is expensive even for London standards. They don't display the prices of their cuppas or food so very difficult to make educated/informed choices. Also they offer different sizes for Flat white which is wrong. Flat white must be small and not big and milky. You can buy coffee beans but you don't know when the roast date was as it is not written anywhere. Coffee tastes good although no better than other places near by. Other places offer equally nice coffee in better price.

Really nice choice of coffee, to drink in and take away. Some nice food for a light lunch or snack too. Rustic setting, might not be the most comfortable, but is nice all the same. All served by people who care about the coffee and experience too.

Order any espresso drink at WorkHouse and you will not be disappointed! As a self-appointed coffee snob - this is certainly the best coffee in Reading, and the best cup of coffee I have had in a long time!

If great coffee is what you are after then this is the place. Much Better than your average chain , but there is a price to match.

Am used to paying £2.50 for a flat white in trendy Walthamstow, East London, but £3.10 for a coffee in Reading is extravagant, and hugely ironic given the name of the coffee shop. OK, it was a nice coffee, but for that price I should at least have had it brought to me, rather than having to go back up to the counter when it was ready !

Have visited this coffee shop quite a few times. The coffee is GREAT, prepared by happy, attentive and knowledgable staff.

I love Workhouse coffee. I've been coming here since friends recommended it a couple of years ago. The staff are really friendly, the coffee is delicious and the they have a great range of food. I recommend the mushroom quiche! There are a couple of staff there now who maybe don't work as hard as everyone else, but it's still my favourite. My boyfriend loves the sausage rolls. The pecan blondies are fiendishly good.

This is a great place - I strongly advise using it rather than Starbucks or Cost both across the road. Coffee excellent lots of nice cakes friendly staff

My friend and I visited on a busy Saturday afternoon at around 2pm for a light lunch.

There are two aspects to this place: 1) I knew nothing about coffee before I came here. Now, I can taste the extraordinary range in coffee varieties - from creamy and mild to almost meaty in their earthiness. I'm now a filter coffee drinker and the Ketana is mine :)

The food is decent but people really come here for the coffee. I stop by every time I'm in Reading. They have the best flat white and also a very good cortado. I've tried a number of other places in the area but none compare.

I first experienced the Workhouse Coffee when they opened their first shop on the Oxford Road in Reading. Up to this point I had never understood why people liked coffee, my experience had come from being offered either instant coffee or any number of milk bucket coffees at one of the large chains that pervade our High Streets. This all changed at the Workhouse where care and attention are applied to every aspect of coffee making, from the roast of the coffee and the grind to the pressure and temperature of the water coming through the machine. It is fair to say the first flat white I had there, some 10 or 11 years ago, was a revelation and on top of this, that small shop in the heart of the West Reading community became a social hub where I met many people form my local area, people who I would never have never met in day-to-day life.

Delicious coffee - delicious cakes. Also freshly made ciabatta and bagel rolls and quiche Lorraine. Very central location near the shops. A good independent coffee house with its own character.

I visited here with a friend who has gluten allergy.

A terrible coffee shop - aiming to be fancy but falling short. This place is always crowded, but a coffee and a cake will cost in excess of £8, and they are not even very good.

Great service. Divine good and some of the best coffee I have ever had. I would recommend this superb cafe to anyone. Well worth a visit.

Best for serious coffee drinkers, they have limited decaf, but why would you want to drink that with so much caffeinated on offer? Lovely sweets and savouries on offer, nothing too much trouble for the very friendly and knowledgeable staff. Most enjoyable. Great industrial decor.

We stopped off for a coffee last week, attracted by the sign outside. A good cup of coffee, but standing waiting for it to be made wasn't, nor was carrying it downstairs. The chairs were really uncomfortable.

I loved the toasted bagel, but why only one decaf? That wasn't great, just OK. A very friendly welcome.

Great coffee and nice outdoor seating area off the main strip of shops in Reading. Nice spot to go to to get away from the city centre buzz. Not the best selection of food but worth it for good quality coffee.

I popped in for a coffee after reading a raving review in the guardian. Indeed, the selection of coffee beans is impressive and the staff is really friendly and helps you choose your coffee tailored to your preferences. I came for coffee but couldn't resist their home made pecan pie. It would be a sin to ask for a latte at the WorkHouse Coffee, there's no point in adding milk to your coffee here!! Mine was superb and my the pie was yummy so I came next day again, dragging my partner as well. This will be our coffee spot in Ready!

The food is nice, though sometimes hit and miss but the coffee is always delightful and very customisable. The staff are lovely and it feels nice to support an independent company rather than a huge chain. It can sometimes get pretty loud in there though, so be warned!

Great coffee house, lots of friendly staff and wonderful, unique coffee. Cakes are homemade and taste great though I often think a little "tired". They also sell bags of coffee beans, ground to your satisfaction at fairly reasonable price. Their second shop (or is it the original?) is in the Oxford Road, Reading and needs a bit more comfortable seating.

We dropped in as we were heading into Reading to shop. I like to support small, independent businesses rather than chains, so I thought it would be good to try this place. Wrong! The latte came quickly, but I had to wait for the filter coffee - weird. They promised to bring it to my table, but instead shouted that it was ready. When I tried it, the coffee was bitter and cold. I asked for another, but they slopped so much milk into it that it, too was cold. I had to wait some time for a drinkable replacement.

Great location, great coffee but getting asked by staff to give up my table before I had finished my cup left a really bad taste.

Our first visit and had a cup of tea which was weird. The tea was made in a mug and tea bag taken out but then they put warm frothy milk in it. Never had tea like that and hope I don't again as it just did not taste right.

I was very disappointed. I arranged to meet a friend here because the first time I had visited some months ago I thought it was lovely. This time though it was drab, tired and dirty. 10.30 on a Saturday morning and it wasn't busy. It took some time for them to make my latte which was barely warm. My friend had to wait about 15 minutes for her filter coffee (so by that time I had finished mine) and rather than bringing it to our table they just shouted out - 'Filter Coffee' and she had to go and fetch it. This was also barely warm. All in all very disappointed and I will not be returning.

Late afternoon coffee and cake stop.nice to sit out in the little courtyard,just off the main shopping area. Twice visited this week,lovely cake slices and coffee

Very happy after a great coffee and a very tasty lunch. Not the cheapest lunch but definitely top quality and delicious. As a bit of a coffee snob, I can say it is the best coffee I have had in the UK!