Sweeney & Todd, Reading

This is a restaurant, where drinking alcohol, including draught and bottled beer, is only allowed when food is being consumed.

Usually fine with solo drinking but may be declined if busy.

A Reading institution, celebrated its 40th birthday in May 2018, and a bit of a time-warp. The front is a pie shop. Go up a few stairs to find the bar and cosy cubicles/alcoves, then further through to the restaurant. There's another dining area in the cellar. Famous for its award winning pies with over 20 varieties to choose from. You can also buy them from the shop to take away along with pasties, sausage rolls, cold meats and Scotch eggs (shop opens at 9.00 Mon-Sat). Alcohol service begins at midday.