Coffee shop on Castle Street, Reading
Filter coffee, masala chai and a banana bun worth queueing for
A tiny shop with a big following. Specialty coffee and Indian-spiced bakes made on site, served by staff that 89 reviewers call friendly.
4.9 from 342 Google reviews
- Bakes made on siteSweet and savoury, fresh each day
- Kerbside pickupOrder ahead, they bring it out
- Vegan optionsMentioned in 12 reviews
- 4.9 on GoogleFrom 342 reviews
Three things to try first
The counter changes from day to day, but these are the names that come up again and again in Google reviews.
Mentioned in 39 reviews
The banana bun
“Fresh and sort of crisp exterior but soft inside… a hint of Indian spices that didn’t overpower the banana.” Kate Forster
Mentioned in 30 reviews
Filter coffee
“Be sure not to miss their exceptional offerings, including their signature filter coffee.” Garima Khurasia
Mentioned in 25 reviews
Masala chai
“The smell of the chai brewing is lovely and fresh.” Inzy Ahmed
Order ahead
Skip the queue. Pull up, and it comes out to you.
Mac’s offers kerbside pickup. Choose what you’d like and when, and this writes your order out, ready to read down the phone or send as a message.
Your order
2 items
- Masala chai× 1
- Banana bun× 1
Working out today’s collection times…
Prices are confirmed when you order. The counter changes daily, so if something’s sold out the team will suggest something else.
33 Castle Street
“Highly recommended, but don’t blink. You’ll miss it.”
There are only a handful of seats, so it feels more like a friend’s kitchen than a café. On a cold morning that’s exactly the point.
The team will happily talk you through the counter. One reviewer tried the baked egg pie on the staff’s recommendation, “lovely subtly-spiced onions and egg in nigella-studded puff pastry”. Another walked away with a jar of local almond butter.
The counter
What’s on changes daily. These are the things reviewers mention most.
Filter coffee and espresso
The signature filter coffee, mochas and espresso.
Masala chai
Brewed fresh, with every spice you can taste.
Banana bun and sweet bakes
The banana bun, the iced cinnamon swirl and coffee tiramisu.
Savoury bakes
Baked egg pie, goli baje, tofu puffs and coconut puri.
Vegan options
Plenty of vegan choices on the counter.
Local foods to take home
Peanut butter, almond butter and other local foods.
“An intimate coffee shop serving the best coffee in Reading city centre… cooler than being cool.”
“Hidden gem! Sensational food and drinks. Extensive menu with lots of options, including plenty of vegan offerings. Delicious flavours. So unique to Reading and much needed too. This spot will definitely be a regular one! I'm already looking forward to returning again. Particular highlights were the tofu puffs, goli baje, and masala bomb. They only have 4 seats to dine in, but felt lovely and cosy.”
Anisha D
“An absolute haven for devoted coffee enthusiasts, this charming coffee spot is a must-visit. Be sure not to miss their exceptional offerings, including their signature filter coffee, delectable banana bun, and irresistible coffee tiramisu. The staff is exceptionally friendly, and the cozy ambiance adds a delightful touch of warmth. It has quickly become my go-to spot for daily coffee indulgence.”
Garima Khurasia
“Great coffee shop with excellent customer service! Deeby, the barista, was amazing — friendly, skilled, and made the perfect cup of coffee. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming. Definitely worth a visit”
Maria Mendes
Find the window on Castle Street
33 Castle Street, Reading, RG1 7SB, a short walk from the town centre. Look for the small shopfront: reviewers say it’s easy to walk past.
- Kerbside pickup: order ahead and they’ll bring it out
- A few seats inside, and a wheelchair-accessible entrance
Opening hours
- Monday
- 8am to 4pm
- Tuesday
- 8am to 4pm
- Wednesday
- 8am to 4pm
- Thursday
- 8am to 4pm
- Friday
- 8am to 2pm
- Saturday
- 9:30am to 2pm
- Sunday
- Closed
Closed on Sundays. Kerbside pickup available.
Don’t blink, you’ll miss it
33 Castle Street, Reading. A small shopfront with a big queue.