A Guide to Working in Reading 

Workplace wellness
Estimated read time: 4 mins
Published: 07/02/2024

A Guide to Working in Reading 

On the hunt for a work location that dishes out the London vibes without the hefty price tag or the hustle and bustle? Yearning for a place that perfectly blends metropolitan buzziness with the charm of a vibrant town steeped in history? 

Well, look no further, ‘cos boy, do we have the town for you!   

Conveniently situated in the M4 corridor, Reading stands tall as a prominent commercial and retail hub in the south of England. With major business parks and a strong presence in the tech and digital industries, the university town is a magnet for multinational giants, attracting the likes of Microsoft, Cisco, and PwC. 

Oh, and did you know that we’re here, too? Work.Life’s serviced offices in Reading are super central on King’s Road! 

So, sit back and relax as we take you on a whistle-stop tour around the area of our lively coworking space in Reading. We’ll dive into why Reading is your go-to spot for nailing that sweet work-life balance, spilling the beans on some awesome places to eat, grab a drink and explore in this town we proudly call home. 

Where to eat in Reading – Top 5 places  

Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite, a fancy sit-down feast or a sugar fix, we’ve got you covered. Here are some of the top spots by our workspace: 

Osaka: Located in The Oracle shopping centre, this Japanese gem is a firm favourite with our members. Great food, great service.   

Picnic: If you’re on the hunt for a guilt-free lunch, this locally sourced, ethically minded café has your back with healthy salads and homemade cakes at reasonable prices. Perfect for that on-the-go lunch vibe. 

London Street Brasserie: When you’re feeling a bit fancy or celebrating those big wins, this is the go-to place for a top-notch dinner. There’s a fabulous atmosphere, and the food is delicious. Save this one for special occasions! 

Lincoln Coffee House: Yummy bagels, great coffee, just across the road from us. Need we say more? 

Gail’s: A large bakery café on the corner with a massive array of freshly baked goodies. They do the best cinnamon buns in Reading, trust us. 

After-work drinks – Top 5 places to go     

If you’re winding down after a crazy day working in Reading, you’re in for a treat because this place has tons of entertainment options to suit any mood.  

We’ve rounded up five of our absolute faves for you: 

Revolucion De Cuba: Come here for a vibrant, tropical Cuban bar experience. There’s live music, Latin-inspired food, Cuban-themed parties and tons of tequila. The fiesta starts here! 

Spinners: For those who love a little bit of healthy competition. There’s mini golf, darts, bowling and booze – what could possibly go wrong? 

Market House: An industrial chic venue offering pretty much everything you need for a fun night out. We’re talking street food, a rooftop bar and games galore. Fun fact: the building was once a historic Lloyds Bank! 

The Botanist: This is an excellent option for a cocktail or two. In an Instagram-worthy interior, you’ll find gastropub-style dining, kebabs, brunch and botanical cocktails. 

The Lyndhurst: Keepin’ it real with a traditional town pub vibe, The Lyndhurst is all about that warm, welcoming atmosphere. Natural wood, exposed bricks, real ales, and good eats – it’s the perfect spot to kick back and relax. 

Best ways to spend a lunch hour  

Ah, lunchtime in Reading – the perfect opportunity to escape the 9-to-5 hustle and embrace that much-needed break. And you don’t even need to venture too far! 

Stay on site in The White Building and take the lift to the seventh floor to make the most of our beautiful roof terrace. Relax and soak in those views, or how about a spot of horticulture therapy? We plant herbs and veggies in the spring for you to harvest when they’re good and ready. Our Wifi stretches all the way up there, too, making it the ideal spot for a change of scenery when work calls. 

Feeling like a lunchtime adventure? Blue Collar Market hits Market Square on Wednesdays and Fridays, bringing the world to your taste buds. Thai, Jamaican, crepes, doughnuts – you name it, they’ve got it. It’s a global feast with something for everyone’s lunchtime cravings. 

To stretch your legs and get out in nature, Reading Abbey Ruins are a minute’s walk away from our workspace. Here, you’ll find a tranquil outdoor area that’s perfect for a picnic lunch or a meander to get away from your laptop. Turns out, there’s a bunch of walking spots right on Work.Life Reading’s doorstep! 

And for those days when retail therapy is the only cure, look no further than The Oracle. It’s the heart of shopping in Reading, with high street shops, tempting restaurants and pop-ups just waiting for your lunchtime perusal. 

Unlocking the Reading experience 

There’s so much to experience when working in Reading, and the best part is our workspace is smack bang in the middle of all the awesomeness this town has to offer. 

Amy Roberts, our rockstar Membership Manager at Work.Life Reading, says: “We’re in the town centre, close to the high street and within walking distance of the train station with brilliant connections to London and further afield. 

“The White Building is perfectly placed to take advantage of the town centre, the canal, Forbury Gardens and the local Banksy artwork. Reading has a great arts scene with a couple of independent theatres and several arts centres, playing host to music, comedy nights and touring productions. Reading also boasts several independent breweries, perfect for our Beer and Pizza Thursdays!” 

But the magic doesn’t just happen outside! Step into our serviced offices and you’ll find the perfect blend of spacious private offices, hot desks, meeting rooms, breakout areas, private phone booths and a big open-plan kitchen. 

And because we believe in keeping you fuelled and smiling, there’s free artisan coffee flowing, snacks on demand, breakfast delights, weekly socials, and networking events. Plus, our on-site membership team is on hand to help, making work easier (and happier) for our Reading community. 

Sound good? Book a tour of our Reading workspace today – we can’t wait to show you around!    

 

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