Greggs — Restaurant in Reading

Once upon a time, in the land of school lunches and greasy temptations, there stood a humble abode known as Greggs. This sanctuary of baked goodness became the epicenter of my midday culinary adventures, where I embarked on a gastronomic journey fit for a foodie in training.

At the crack of lunchtime, my comrades and I would march down the school corridors, drawn towards the savory scent of freshly baked delights that wafted from Greggs' welcoming doors. It was as if the pastry gods themselves were beckoning us to partake in their flaky treasures.

Entering Greggs was like entering a secret hideout—a refuge from the mundane cafeteria fare. Rows upon rows of delectable pasties, sausage rolls, and sandwiches lined the shelves, each one tempting our taste buds with promises of pure bliss. It was a feast for the eyes, a symphony of flavors waiting to be devoured.

As we approached the counter, the friendly Greggs staff would greet us with a smile, as if they were the gatekeepers to a world of culinary wonders. We'd peruse the menu, torn between classics like the steak bake and the tantalizing allure of the ever-elusive festive bake. Decisions, decisions—how could one choose when every option seemed like a slice of heaven?

With our lunches in hand, we'd find a cozy spot in the schoolyard—a patch of grass or a secluded bench—to embark on our epicurean journey. The first bite was always a moment of pure ecstasy. The warm, flaky pastry embraced our taste buds, while the savory fillings danced on our tongues. It was a moment of sheer delight, a lunchtime ritual we held dear.

Greggs became more than just a lunchtime destination—it became a symbol of camaraderie. We'd gather with friends, sharing tales of classroom mischief and exam woes, all while indulging in the simple pleasure of a Greggs feast. It was a culinary sanctuary that nourished our bodies and fostered lifelong memories.

But alas, as time marched on and school days faded into the annals of nostalgia, my visits to Greggs became fewer and farther between. Responsibilities and adulthood took hold, and lunchtime escapades transformed into corporate meetings and packed salads. Oh, how I long for those carefree days, when a trip to Greggs was the highlight of my academic pursuits.

Nevertheless, the legacy of Greggs lives on in my heart, reminding me of a time when life's pleasures were simpler, and the joy of a perfectly baked pasty could make the world feel right. So, here's to you, Greggs, my loyal companion during those school lunch adventures. May your ovens forever churn out deliciousness, and may your pastry reign continue to bring smiles to the faces of lunchtime aficionados...

A great place to grab your lunch. Nice range of sandwiches and rolls, with a good selection of hot pasties and pizza slices. Also the usual naughty but nice selection of cakes and pastries. Very polite and friendly staff, so it's always nice to pop in. This branch is situated close to the university and there is a bus stop close by that you can use to get into the town centre. There is also a small branch of NatWest bank very close by that has cash machines outside, a cafe is nearby too and a good size general store is also there. The only reason why I have not scored this as five stars is purely down to the difficulty with parking your car to be able to pop in, it gets very busy around there, with not that many options to park safely and legally. This however is no way Greggs fault and as such shouldn't reflect badly on them at all, I just thought it should...

This Greggs is surprisingly well stocked considering how small the shop is. The smaller shelf space means hot snacks are replenished more frequently so I've had more sausage rolls and bakes served hot here compared to larger shops in town. Most of the staff are friendly with a respectable standard of service. However this branch does get busy at lunchtime with a queue spilling out on to the street so be prepared to wait.

My only serious issue is with the hygiene standards. I have been served a number of times by Fadhel who has prepared my breakfast roll with bare hands; no gloves or napkin to hold the roll. This is despite him wearing gloves for customers queuing in front of me. As a result I get...