Latest reviews in Reading


 
Tootsies - Reading
The Oracle Shopping Centre
Reading, Berkshire RG1 2AG
Just had a relaxing lunch at Tootsies in the Oracle in Reading. I could see nothing wrong with it. It was by no means full, but then you wouldn't expect it to be on a Wednesday at lunchtime. The service was good and our table waiter very friendly and attentive. The choice is good and definitely wider than many other restaurants around. Vegies and the health conscious are well-catered for - for example there is Mediterranean Platter to share and a fabulous Superfoods Salad which you can have as a starter or a main course. Of course there are various fish and meat dishes as well. It's nice to see decent sized salads as a side order too. Very convenient place for lunch while out shopping or just before you whizz across the bridge to the cinema. (LRS, 21-01-2009)

 
Game - Reading
The Oracle Shopping Centre
Reading, Berkshire RG1 2AG
A chain of shops selling computer games and accessories. Bascially any computer games console you can think of and this shop will sell the games for them. It's recognisable by it's silver front with GAME in big purple letters across the front. Generally the shops within this chain are never that big (as is with this one) but they still have a wide selection of games. This one is located within the oracle centre, but I can't tell you where abouts (sorry!). The games for each console are really easily labelled by huge headers that hang over each drop. I find the prices however are never really that good in game - they tend to be a little over priced. They have most games in stock and a pre ordering system if you want to get your hands on a game thats shortly to be released. In the middle are several islands which sell preowned games for quite cheap prices. These have been brought to game as part of their trade in service. By this it means you can bring old console games back and trade them in for cash or towards another game. It's quite a good scheme. There are plenty of offers usually on such as 2 DS games for £30 though the games tend to be slightly older games though you will something find yourself with a bargain. Game also sells consoles as well such as Wii fit, PS3 etc and the equipment to go with them. If you wish to try out the consoles, the major consoles with the biggest games are stored around the shop. They also have a points scheme where you can collect points on your purchases to buy games with in the future. Make sure you check here in the sales as there are some good offers to be had. If you need anything don't hesitate to ask the staff as they're really helpful and knowledgeable. (JoseBose, 21-01-2009)

 
British Heart Foundation Books & Music - Reading
44 West Street
Reading, Berkshire RG1 1TZ
This is a great branch of the British Heart Foundation - I've never seen one like it before, I've only seen the one with clothes in it as well. It's located on West Street, right near that big church and as the name suggests, it sells only multimedia stuff and books. But there are loads of book bargains to be had here. There is literally a whole wall of books all carefully arranged into sections - some which look pretty new and hardly read at all. If like me, you're into your books, you'll find this is quite a good place to stop off as there are quite a few recent books, current top sellers that they sell off for around £3 - much better than paying £7.99 in shops! The music section sadly isn't all that great, most of the stuff tends to be a little outdated and too old for my tastes, it's also all well used and while I don't mind buying pre read books I tend to be a little fussy on scratched, cracked and dusty tape cases, especially as I don't have a tape player! However if you're looking for something old and daft this might be a good place to pick it up. Overall you have the added bonus that the money you hand over is going to charity. (JoseBose, 21-01-2009)

 
KPMG - Theale
Arlington Business Park
Reading, Berkshire RG7 4SD
Another of the big 4 accountants in Reading (include EY, PWC, KPMG and Deloitte). Impressive looking site West of Reading (there's a train station there too) and as I understand it, they were voted the top company to work for by the Times review last year. Currently cutting back working hours of employees to try to avoid redundancies. Not a great time to apply for a job there unfortunately. (debbie_gibb1808, 21-01-2009)

 
Deloitte - Reading
Abbey Street
Reading, Berkshire RG1 3BD
Another of the big 4 accountants in Reading. In my opinion, not so people-friendly. I get the impression they are a lot more aggressive and competitive than the others. Just my opinion though... They offer the training necessary to be a fully qualified chartered accountant, something which will help keep you on the employment ladder for life hopefully. (debbie_gibb1808, 21-01-2009)

 
Nationwide Building Society - Reading
22 Friar Street
Reading, Berkshire RG1 1DR
A well presented branch which looks modern and has had a facelift when comparing to some other Nationwides in the area. The facelift has also meant the store has got some quick self service machines useful for deposits of cheques or cash and they can be used with either a card account or a passbook account which i thought was a really handy feature of this branch when there are large queues, such as the lunch time rush. Lots of natural light make it feel bright and airy which is good if you are standing in a queue. Staff are efficient and quick meaning even if there is a queue it disappears relatively quick. (Ash Tompkinson, 20-01-2009)

 
Novotel - Reading
25B Friar Street
Reading, Berkshire RG1 1DP
Really easy to get to, just up the street and first right from the train station! The website however refers to limited parking. By that they mean about 3 spaces in front on the street. There really is no parking - great if you haven't got a car! Not so great otherwise. The rooms are lovely and the staff are all really nice too. It's right next to its sister hotel the Ibis and I'd say if you're picking out the two, go for Novotel. I visit my boyfriend regularly in Reading and we used to struggle pre 18 for hotels that would let us stay there without being miles away. The staff are so polite here it's quite a shock and the rooms are gorgeous. Ours was all glass fronted with a beautiful Japanesey theme to it. The TV as well had a lead to connect your ipod to, a little feature I particularly liked. I didn't try the food so can't comment on it and the downstairs bar area is limited in size but other than that if you don't have a car or want to be near the station to travel into London quickly, pick this hotel as it's wonderful and convenient. (JoseBose, 19-01-2009)

 
Green Parlour - Pangbourne
12 High Street
Reading, Berkshire RG8 7AB
Absolutely delightful florists, recently opened. Beautiful flowers from the well-known to the more exotic. Also lovely orchids and houseplants. Will happily make up bouquets to your specification for collection or delivery. Very stylish and classy. One of those shops it's a joy to walk into. (LRS, 19-01-2009)

 
Mamas & Papas - Reading
The Oracle Shopping Centre
Reading, Berkshire RG1 2AG
This store is large and has plenty of space for pushing a push chair around. Mamas & Papas is a good quality but expensive baby / children shop. It sells childrens clothes, nursery equipment - including cots, cot beds. then it also sells pushchairs/buggies, car seats and maternity wear. I think it is a good place to buy gifts for babies or children as the quality is high. However, i wouldn't fork out this kind of money for all nursery equipment. There are better value online shops that specialise in this area. I would rate Mamas and Papas average to good for quality vs. value. (jorsayboy, 19-01-2009)

 
Wetherspoons - Reading
163 Friar Street
Reading, Berkshire RG1 1HE
In my opinion this is not as good as Back of Beyond on The King's Road. Like most Wetherspoons pubs the ambience is created by the low lighting and the dark carpets and wood cladding etc. The pub is close to the market place on Friar Street and has outdoor seating which is ok but looks onto the road where many buses drive along. The food and drink is the same as any other Wetherspoons so for me the main consideration is the ambience. This pub does not quite work as the pub is elongated with the main bar at the far end and a few steps up to get to it. I would not recommend this pub except for a quick cheap drink. (jorsayboy, 19-01-2009)