The Link Cafe

28 School Rd, Reading RG31 5AN, United Kingdom
+44 7340 139844
$$$ Cafe
(44 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

Welcome to The Link Cafe, a delightful community hub nestled on School Road in Reading. This isn’t just any ordinary cafe; it is a warm and welcoming space where everyone is invited to gather, share stories, and savor comforting food, all while surrounded by a friendly atmosphere that makes you feel right at home.

The Link Cafe is run by dedicated volunteers from six local churches, and their commitment to serving the community shines through in every aspect of the cafe. Here, you can enjoy a wide selection of delicious food and drinks that cater to all tastes. Whether you're in the mood for the rich, creamy goodness of scrambled eggs on toast or a hearty baked beans on toast, you'll find a comforting option to suit your palette. Their popular Brie & Cranberry toastie, served with a delightful salad garnish, will have you savoring every bite, while their homemade cakes and bread pudding are perfect sweet indulgences.

Every visit promises not just nourishing meals but also an experience steeped in warmth and community spirit. Customers like Peter French highlight the cafe’s unique ability to bring people together, creating a delightful hub for locals—even those who are single, elderly, or perhaps new in town. Reviews reflect a place where laughter and chatter fill the air, as you share a pot of tea surrounded by delightful conversation. Chloe Gale captures this perfectly, noting how the staff was attentive and welcoming, ensuring no one felt rushed in this cozy environment.

Beyond the food, the Link Cafe’s atmosphere sets it apart. It's not large, which adds to its intimate charm. The decor is simple yet inviting, encouraging leisurely visits where you can savor your drinks in peaceful company. As Robbie K pointed out, the cafe’s delicious jacket potatoes are not to be missed, and with the notion that every meal supports a wonderful cause, you can enjoy your food doubly!

For families, the cafe also hosts toddler groups, making it a perfect stopping point for parents looking to enjoy a nice cup of tea while the little ones play. As Margaret Banjo shares, the tea and scones are lovely, and the service is full of warmth that makes you feel part of the family. Even Hing Sang Tam acknowledges the generosity of spirit within, noting that it’s more than just food; it’s about making lasting connections.

So the next time you’re in Reading or simply in search of a cozy community spot, make your way to The Link Cafe. Indulge in delightful food, chat with friendly faces, and contribute to a wonderful cause—all while making beautiful memories. It’s not just a cafe; it’s a place where you belong.

Service options
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Popular for
Breakfast
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Offerings
Coffee
Quick bite
Dining options
Breakfast
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Crowd
Groups
Payments
Cash only
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

10:30 AM - 03:30 PM

Tuesday

10:30 AM - 01:00 PM

Wednesday

10:30 AM - 03:30 PM

Thursday

10:30 AM - 03:30 PM

Friday

10:30 AM - 03:30 PM

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

44 Reviews
Peter French

16 Sep 2025

First of all, this isn't your ordinary cafe! Certainly you'll get hot drinks, soft drinks and simple cooked food, and home made cakes, but the main reason it exists is as a friendly place to be. Single, elderly, learning difficulties, or just out shopping, everyone is welcome there. It's run by volunteers from local churches, but to serve the community rather than spread religion. Don't expect snappy service, it's a relaxed place. You may also be pleasantly surprised by the prices: my scrambled eggs on toast cost £2, coffee 95p, cake 60p. Yes, that was 2018 not 1998!

Stephen King

04 Sep 2025

A unique small Community Cafe offering a place for a drink and lite bite. Run by volunteers from 6 local Churches, you'll receive a warm welcome.

Robbie K

20 Aug 2025

A beautiful little cafe run by volunteers, terrific food and a wonderful cause... Herento support, thank you! We will be back. Loved out jacket potatoes!!

Keith Lawrence

12 Aug 2025

My first visit and definitely not my last. Ordered Brie & Cranberry Toastie which came with a small salad garnish, delicious and my cappuccino served in a mug which was hot, steamy and also delicious! This is run by volunteers. Well done to all concerned!

Margaret Banjo

05 Jul 2025

Lovely tea and scones. Service is amazing, full of chatter and laughter. They also have toddler groups so more reasons to visit

Chloe Gale

04 Jun 2025

Very warm and welcoming environment! All the staff were wonderful and couldn't do enough to help! It's not very big inside but we didn't feel rushed at all! The food was delicious too!

Hing Sang Tam

28 May 2025

A non-profit community cafe run by volunteers from surrounding churches. You can have home made cakes and many other snacks and drinks. The atmosphere is always warm and friendly.

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