Pies to die for. I make this pilgrimage every time I visit the UK. The whole menu is a treat not to be missed.

What a great little gem! I highly recommend this cute and delicious pie shop/restaurant- but do try to book ahead. Seating is limited, especially if there is an event/show occurring in town. Excellent prices for takeaway- a huge selection of pies (and some quiche!). If you are able, have lunch/dinner at the restaurant. You'll feel as if you've been transported back in time. It's friendly and homey- très rustique. The menu is simple and sparse, but with the quantity of pies on offer, what more do you need? Oh, and there's a full bar! I added a side of ratatouille to my meal and was not disappointed! What are you waiting for! Go get yourself a pie, or 4!! read more

The food was disgusting never coming back ever again the food gave me food poisoning and that charged me £30 plus for a kids size cup a refill was £1 read more

Quaint English pie shop that's been around for 45 years. They still have three generations of family working here. The food is wonderful and the service is great. Lots of options to choose from (meat pies, quiches, and pasties). The ambiance in the shop old fashion British, which is wonderful. read more

Sweeney & Todd - Meat pies, quiches, pasties - British Near Me - Reading, RDG

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Deeee-lish! Yummy pies! I took two as takeaway and warmed them up in the oven for lunch over the next two days. One was the next-to-last of their Christmas pies (I'm not sure what makes a pie a 'Christmas' pie though it did have an image of a Christmas tree in pastry on it). Both were absolutely heavenly and at £2.60 each, you just can't go wrong! Pastry crust formed into a bowl shape, filled with yumminess, then topped with more pastry and then baked until golden. Pie flavors change on a relatively random basis. When I popped in, some of the choices included Cajun Chicken, Ham & Stilton, Chicken & Ham, Chicken & Leek, Rump Steak & Stilton, Cheese & Vegetable and Pork & Apple. Awesomeness! read more

Sweeney & Todd - Christmas tree pastry on the pie top! - British Near Me - Reading, RDG

Fabulous pies. Bought several to freeze. Just as good when reheated. Will definitely return for more.

Walked over from the hotel and it was a nice surprise. I don't know who I ate :p I was asked to choose a table and someone came over after a bit. I spied the Vicar's pie but thought it might be irreverent. Instead I ordered chicken, leek pie and an extra side salad. The nice lady recommended a Beck lager which was good with the pie. After reading their history on the menu, I realize that this is not the demon barber Sweeney Todd of infamy! Oh well the chicken, leek pie was quite nice! read more

Sweeney & Todd - Your daily pie - British Near Me - Reading, RDG

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Who knew that meat pies could be so good?!?! I think us Americans are missing out on something by limiting ourselves to just chicken potpie. In the UK, they eat all kinds of meat pies and Sweeny & Todd has a ton of options. This place is pretty unassuming and I probably wouldn't have ventured in here by myself, but my co-worker said it's his favorite place, so I tried it out. It's a pretty small place. When you walk in there is the deli counter with things you can buy and a few tables. Then you get to the small bar with a table or two and then further back there are more tables. We stopped at the bar and grabbed an English beer on the way back to a table in the back of the restaurant. Our server came over and asked if we needed anything and we said we were just going to enjoy our beers for a while and then would order. She gave us plenty of time to do that and then answered our questions about some of the pies. I ended up going with the rump steak and stilton pie and was very happy with my choice. The steak was tender and the cheese was a nice compliment to it. The pie crust was so flaky and buttery and just amazing. And it was enough to fill me up. This is a small, local, place, but the food is amazing and the beer was great. I definitely will be coming back here next time I'm in town. read more

Sweeny & Todd's Pie shop / Restaurant. Don't let the name sweeny todds pies put you of, this is not the barber who slice's his clients throat's and drops the body into the pie shop bellow to fill the pies!! lol But it is a great pie shop serving fresh home made pies fish,chicken,meat,game, etc,etc And there is a Restaurant under the shop! I have eaten here a couple of times! and on both occasions the food was fantastic! i had a great BIG meat pie with all the trimming's followed by a traditional English pudding!! they also serve wine,beer,and cider! read more

Sweeney & Todd - is that a barber shop above??/ - British Near Me - Reading, RDG

Haven't actually eaten there but the pies they sell to take away are miles better than anything from a supermarket.

Best pie ever! Thanks to Yelp I got takeaway dinner here rather than Nandos (I hasten to add that there is nothing wrong with Nandos, just wasn't in the mood it for that time!) Since I got to the place around 9pm, they had a limited selection of pies left and I decide to get the Vicars pie. Must admit that it took a while to flag down someone to help me get counter service which is why I first contemplated giving them 4stars but food wise it was so good, I bumped it up to 5-stars!! The staff wrote down both microwave and oven heating instructions which I appreciated and once back at the rental, I decided on quicker microwave option and happy to state that this pie still tasted marvelous after bring nuked. The pastry was flakey and crumbly and so so so good. I got full on lamb pieces, lots of potatoes and carrots and a rich medley of gorgeous English countryside flavours in each pie. Glad got x2 more of these pies to freeze for another time. read more

Sweeney & Todd - Just be careful with game pies! - British Near Me - Reading, RDG

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I'm not sure what is going on with this place: the front is a lunch counter, the middle is a pub, and the back is a restaurant. The ambiance is strange, indeed. My pie was okay. I had the venison and wild boar pie and was pleased with how it tasted. The prices were a bit expensive considering the size of the pie, but the flavour made up for it. Lastly, the waitress was incredibly rude. "What'dya want?" was the question posed to our table. Really? REALLY? I know this isn't a five-star establishment, but please treat us a bit more hospitably. This was not a one-off occasion, either; my roommate also ate here and commented her waitress was rude as well. The pies are good, but I recommend eating them take-away so you can avoid the impolite waitstaff. read more

The pies here are very good. I've eaten in the restaurant as well as taken the pies to-go. In both cases, I have been very satisfied by the price, quality, and quantity of the food. I've set a goal that I will try every one of the the pies there. There are a lot of choices and it's all pretty seasonal so you'll be sure to have fresh meat. A couple of us actually visited a butcher that supplies this pie shop. The meat there was very fresh and there were many varied types of meat. If you're going to visit Reading, you've got to come here at least once. read more

I love Sweeneys, this restaurant and pie shop is a Reading institution and in ten years of living in the area I've never grown tired of eating here. Don't come expecting a classy interior or silver service because you won't find anything close to either. What you come to Sweeneys for is a great range (regularly rotated) of fantastic pies, and some pretty good beer served from the bar. There are two sections to the restaurant, one through the back of the shop and one in the basement - you'll pass the bar on the way to either and get your drinks there before sitting down. Don't bother to look at the menu once seated, as a waitress will shortly come and give you the list of pies on offer that day. Pick your pie and optional vegetables, and enjoy your beer while you wait. Chips are only available at lunch time, so in the evening it's new potatoes or baked potatoes, but all are good. My favourite pies are the Five Nations, Rump Steak and Stilton, Vicars and Sweeneys, and I always go for the Cauliflower Cheese as well as Chips or New Potatoes - you just can't beat this food for this price! read more

I was passing through Reading, famished, and decided to try this place because I believe eating locally and supporting local businesses is important. The reviews on here claimed their pies were fantastic, so I made the trek down to check it out. Unfortunately, I was never able to actually try the food. I walked in at 7:45pm on Monday, walked up the the bar and asked if they were still serving food. The man behind the bar gave me a stern look and said: 'You order drinks here and food at the table. Go find yourself a table.' There were two other tables occupied at the time and both parties seemed to be packing up to leave. The place was not at all busy. I walked to the back restaurant and then back the pub area and chose a table. I waited and waited and waited. I pulled out my watch and ten minutes had passed. No one had come to take my order, no one even cared if I was there or not (the man knew I was waiting). After ten minutes had passed I walked out of the restaurant and down to the Oracle to find food. I will not be returning here. read more

Unfortunately I don't live in Reading or UK for that matter. I love Sweeny & Todd's Kevin L. -- where under the shop is the restaurant? From what I know about 1 month ago, the restaurant is a few steps up and behind the pies case. PIES: YUM!!! The three times I've been there, there are more choices of pies for takeaway than in the restaurant, but never fear, there are enough to select from. We tried the following: 5 Nations (not sure how they come to 5 nations, I counted 4 - England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland - any Brits willing to help with the 5th nation?), Chicken, Wild Boar, Beef Stew, etc. Beer: Good bitters and cold drafts. Desserts: Spotted Dick ... need I say more? read more

If you blink, you might miss this shop. Its behind the Oracle shopping mall in Reading. Walkable from there, but the Broad Street Mall is much closer to it. Wanted something "British" to tell my American friends at home where I ate. Other than the barber shop located next to the shop and the sign itself, that is about all the picture opportunities as a tourist I would say are worthy to take. The pies here are great. That's pretty much how I would sum it up. They look small, but the flaky puff pastry and hearty beef filling will do it's job filling you up. Skip the wine selection and get yourself some draft beers or 'bitters'. You will be rolling out of there in no time (that is, if you can squeeze your way through...the place is a bit tight). read more

Delicious pies and other classic staples--Scotch egg, anyone? A few other deli products available, but, really, you stop by Sweeney & Todd for their pies. My brother got a kick out of a pheasant pie that was sold with the caveat, "watch out for the buckshot!". Keep your eyes peeled for the tiny store behind the Oracle. read more

Excellent pie shop in Reading, which makes a nice change from the identikit chain restaurants around the Riverside and is always busy. Mrs H, who rattles off the menu to every table at frightening speed, is a legend. The anniversary pie - which appears to be a regular fixture - is a belter, featuring steak, mushrooms, port and stilton. Last time I went, I had a jacket potato and cauliflower cheese as sides. All for under a tenner, which is an absolute bargain, considering the size of the portions. read more

Probably the best known pie shop in Reading. For good reason - yummy pies!! Worth finding this little gem. read more

As an American the thought of meat pies kind of scared me but I was happy to find cajun chicken on the menu. It was great! It didn't look that big but it was filling. Very cool place. read more

Sweeney & Todd - Cajun chicken pie - British Near Me - Reading, RDG

This is a shop / restaurant / bar next to a barbers shop on Castle Street in Reading. At the front of the building is a traditional shop with a large chill-cabinet containing a large (10-15) selection of home made pies. You go up a few steps to the restaurant area which disappears into the rear with dark wood benches chairs and tables and a small bar. I ate at one of the café tables: apart from some ploughman's lunches and roasts their speciality is a huge selection of pies on the menu, the waitress then lists what is available today which will be a subset of the menu plus some specials. Included on the menu were some standard offerings, plus some less typical ones: pigeon & peach, beef and ale, chicken & leek and various game pies. It was their thirtieth anniversary the week I was there, so I tried their 30th anniversary special steak and ale pie with a blue-cheese filling. I chose a 30th anniversary beer, a baked potato and cauliflower cheese to go with it. The beer was pretty good; the baked potato was over cooked by at least half a day; the cauliflower cheese was OK, and the pie was actually pretty good: I think the (flaky) pastry was a little under cooked, but the filling was good and tasty. It was mid-week and despite this the place was busy. Perhaps because of this the service was very poor. It took ages to get served initially, but later it was impossible to get a pudding or another beer because of the completely inadequate service. I really wanted to like this place, the pie was nearly very good and good value. Unfortunately it disappointed on multiple levels, especially lack of service. I will try it again, but from my initial outing I would suggest that unless it is very quiet inside you get some pies as a take-away and leave it at that! read more

What else can I say that hasn't been said already? Nothing really. The pies are excellent. It's no nonsense customer service. Good value. Great bitter. I had the venison and boar pie. Lovely. Though everyone our party of 18 or so enjoyed their pies too. read more

Deliciously British! Great food, and the wait staff was super nice. We had the chicken, honey & mustard and the steak and mushroom. Both were very good, but the steak and mushroom was a favorite for our family. read more

Sweeney & Todd - Beef and mushroom - British Near Me - Reading, RDG

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A great pie and real ale pub! I first went here over 10 years ago and then went again recentlynothing has changed! The selection of pies was great - it took us almost 15 minutes to decide which one to have! And the fact they serve real ale was a real bonus..for my partner! The food was good - I wouldnt say they were the best pies I have had and I wouldnt go there regularly - but it is an experience and a good once in a while meal! read more

Nom nom to eat there... Nom Nom to take home. Just Nom nom Great pies great service...'and sweeny Todd doesn't come and get you. That's a win right!! read more

Always epic pies, homemade and fresh by a local family, I love this place. Forget the menu, they come round and tell you what's fresh. Chips are done in house and are excellent. Macaroni cheese is the best in reading. Be aware that the pastry is made with lard so even the veggie pies are not vegetarian but it's a meat eaters heaven. read more

I've had my very first pie, and it was amazing. The place is quite cosy, perfect for couples and families (although if you want to organise a work outing here, make sure you call ahead - they're very accommodating). Staff are friendly and helpful if you need recommendations. If you'd rather have a bite to take away, you can do so right at the front (the bar is in the middle, while the restaurant is at the back). read more

I have been to UK 2X in my life (so far) and each time I have made it a point to come to Sweeney & Todd's. The Steak and Stilton and Lamb are the ones I have had and both have been the best pies I have ever had. Along with a fresh pint of whatevers cold, a small side salad and bobs your uncle! This from a Canadian living in the USA! read more

I and many of my friends and colleagues have frequented this hostelry for over 30 years. The pies.........all home made, packed with the filling as described, the variety simply amazing. Cauliflower cheese as a side and if you go before 6.30pm you just have to sample their home made chips......REAL CHIPS!!!!!!!! They are absolutely the best chips in Reading. The place has a unique ambience, a family business, and in the main the staff are pleasant and helpful. always lucky if you get John at the bar, and June serving you. ( NB, those who have the same length of experience can only mourn the loss of Joan reading you out the list of pies ( at least 20) in her imitable style!!!!! ) Where else in Reading can you nip in to pick up said pies and other delicacies to take home, or enjoy a few guest ales every month, or eat so heartily. I saw a previous comment criticising price and size of pies......with pies that size, many times have I been forced to share a pie with cauliflower cheese and chips on the side, a practice gladly accommodated by the staff. Oh and if you're still hungry, wrap your mouth around the luscious puddings served with CUSTARD ( or not if you prefer!). read more

Who says British food leaves something to be desired. Sweeney and Todd is definitely worth sealing out. It's a quaint pastry shop with an equally quaint and small restaurant and bar behind the store front. I ordered the boar and venison pie with house gravy and a side of cheesy mash cauliflower. The pie crust was so light and flakey. It was to die for. The filling was all meat which was fall apart tender. The side was carb friendly and delicious as well. I will definitely make this a stop next time I'm in Reading, just to try their pasties read more

Great pies and great desserts! Went a few years ago, and it was the best!

Yum! This is proper great British food. Great home made pies, lots of fillings to chose from, plus traditional side dishes to accomany too. The desserts are good too. Loads of traditional home made recipies to chose from. Service was quick. Though we did see some people lead down stairs and not return!! read more

On behalf of many generations of Reading folk...Thank you Sweeney & Todd, we love you!

Huge selection of pies and beers on tap. Seating at street level as well as basement with the loos in the basement. Can get very busy but this is testament to the quality of the produce. Handy location in the town centre and a small selection of good quality sides to go with your pie. read more

Tucked away on Castle Street, amusingly located next to a barber shop you will find a little pie shop called Sweeney & Todd. Locally known as Sweeneys this is so much more than a simple shop; tucked away beyond the fridges and serving counter is a little pub and in the cellar is a restaurant. The main order of the day is pie but with so many different varieties (some available all year round such are ham and stilton, steak and ale, 5 nations and vicars and others which are more tailored to the seasons) there should be something to suit almost everyone. The pies are roughly 6 in diameter and come either on their own or with jackets, chips, cauliflower cheese or ratatouille. These pies are really tasty and good value for money. The restaurant is usually busy but if you are in a hurry you can buy pies to take away. read more

Authentic English pie shop with real ales and friendly service. Very high quality food made with pride. I come here whenever I can make a stop in Reading. Just excellent. read more

I've eaten here dozens of times over the years - it's one of Reading's institutions like the deli around the corner in The Butts or the butchers down West St. This cafe/shop does pies, there are other options but pies are their business & why most people go there! Sweeney's doubles as a pub & the guest beers change regularly & are always well kept. The bar area is rather small & can get busy but the there is plenty of seating out the back & down stairs. I've been with large groups a few times & the service has always been friendly & reasonably prompt. The range of pies include steak & Stilton (my fave), chicken & sweetcorn, lamb & mint - to name a few. there is a choice of veg such as cauliflower cheese, broad beans, new potatoes in their skins, baked potatoes etc but NO CHIPS! I'm usually too full for a pudding but they are available. The food is good value, unpretentious & tasty. The only minus points is that the accompanying salad is rather uninspiring & keep well away from the pepper on the tables - ask for the mill! Sweeney's is popular & has a nice atmosphere, if a not a wee bit tatty looking. Worth a visit! Not currently open for Sunday lunches. read more

These pies are something to write home about. If I am taking someone out, who is not from Reading, this is always my first choice. I bet they would be familiar with pizza express, nandos or all the other chains. Oh and back to those pies those delicious tasty pies. They have 3 good ales on tap to... read more

One of the most friendly and unique places in the UK. Try the venison and wild boar pie! The sides are great, the staff (owners) are amazing, all around great place. Can you tell I like it? read more