A polished riverside Reading brasserie delivering ambitious modern British food and generally warm service, though prices, discretionary charges and occasional operational lapses merit attention.
London Street Brasserie delivers strong food quality anchored by precise cooking and memorable seafood and meat dishes, paired with attentive service that consistently impresses. The riverside setting with terrace seating and canal views materially elevates the experience, though occasional inconsistencies in execution and value perception keep it from reaching the very top tier.
London Street Brasserie is a polished, full-service riverside room where the view is part of the meal: reviewers repeatedly mention canal-side tables, bright windows, terrace seating and a relaxed-but-refined atmosphere. One representative impression is that sitting beside the water in the sunshine turned lunch into a genuine treat. The split-level layout gives it both brasserie bustle and cosy corners, while busy celebrations can become noticeably louder. The cooking is modern British with Mediterranean and global touches rather than plain pub fare. Seafood, lamb, duck, venison and pork belly receive the strongest praise, with attractive presentation, careful cooking and a menu broad enough for mixed groups. The restaurant is especially convincing for anniversaries, birthdays and group lunches, although premium pricing and the discretionary service charge mean the experience is best treated as an occasion rather than an everyday meal. Families are welcome, but this is not primarily a children's restaurant. The menu offers familiar possibilities such as chips, chicken, pork belly, fish and sticky toffee pudding, yet much of the cooking is more grown-up, with oysters, shellfish, game, soufflés and composed vegetable dishes. Reviews confirm successful group dining and thoughtful allergy handling, but picky eaters may need a little menu guidance.
Area vibe: Busy riverside and shopping hub with a mix of offices, student life and evening leisure.
Safety: Generally safe in daytime and evenings with good footfall around the station and riverside; standard urban caution after late night closures.
What's nearby: Close to Reading Railway Station, the River Kennet/Kennt and Kennet Walk, Broad Street shopping, riverside pubs and the Oracle mall.
The menu’s strongest bets range from carefully cooked scallops and sea bass to lamb, pork belly, and a particularly tempting dessert selection.
Plan for an expensive, polished occasion meal with a waterside setting, but check the service charge and allow for possible noise, parking hassle, or delays.
The setting combines bright canal-side dining and cosy split-level corners with a refined atmosphere that can turn lively during celebrations.