Continuing our series exploring the neighbourhoods where we have BE Office locations, this week we explore the area around our Reading office.
If you’re in the market for great value flexible workspace at the heart of one of England’s fastest growing economies, then look no further than SoanePoint, our Reading business centre.
Our cutting-edge offices are located in the historic heart of Reading and come complete with stocked kitchens, a fully-equipped gym, pro-working lounge and an expansive roof terrace.
And with Reading Station only a five-minute walk away, you can be in central London in little over half an hour. If all that sounds too good to be true, here’s our quick guide to everything the neighbourhood has to offer.
Start the day right
Our business centre is located in the heart of Reading on the Market Place, so there’s a range of options for getting the best breakfast to start your day right.
For no-nonsense breakfasts that hit the spot, check out Mia’s Coffee Shop in the Harris Arcade, or Munchees Café just across from the office on the Market Place. A little further away, but still on the long-way-round route from the station, is Shed. Not only will it cater for all your coffee needs but it also has excellent lunch options if you happen to come into work late.
Looking for a mid-morning coffee?
Turn that mid-morning lull into a mid-morning bounce by heading to our pro-working lounge on the second floor for bean-to-cup TopBrewer coffee, or if you fancy some time out of the building Workhouse Coffee is an independent chain with two outlets in the town. Workhouse claims to serve Reading’s best coffee, so you’ll be pleased to know that it’s just a stone’s throw from the office.
Live it up at lunchtime
There’s something for everyone in Reading, meaning that whether you want to hit the shops in The Oracle, laze around in the park, or just grab a quick sandwich there are plenty of options.
Head across the Market Place and check out Picnic Foods, a cosy café that offers great value sandwiches and salads alongside an impressive selection of home-baked cakes. If you fancy a walk, then head to Sweeney & Todd. Located near the Minster, Sweeney & Todd is a Reading institution that has been cooking a mouth-watering selection of homemade pies for over 40 years.
Just around the corner from SoanePoint is Reading’s historic Abbey Quarter. Fill up your lunch break wandering round the ruins of the 12th century abbey, check out the local history at the Reading Museum, or simply while away the time in the manicured Forbury Gardens.
After-work attractions
The Botanist is the office’s quirky local pub, while if you’re heading back to the station be sure to swing by The Three Guineas. Reading’s most famous pub sits in the original station building and was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel himself. Expect great cocktails and a cosy cellar bar in the station’s vaults.
To add a touch of Far East flavour to your evening, head to The SOJU, a Korean barbecue joint that’s open till late so even if you have to stay behind at the office, you’ll still have time to fill up on all the barbecued meat and soju you can stomach!
For a bit more of a cultured evening, the Concert Hall, located in the gothic town hall, puts on a mixed programme including stand-up comedy, jazz nights, classic music performances and more.
Reading is one of the country’s most exciting places to grow your business, with excellent links to London and Heathrow and a buzzing atmosphere. To make the most of all this, check out BE Offices’ Reading options for affordable, forward-thinking workspaces.
