Whittington's Tea Barge

Featured reviews

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  Holly Larner-Carey

  ·1 month ago

  “Such a wonderfully cute little place! Great service, great food, amazing. So lovely to sit under a tree and enjoy a light lunchtime snack. Will definitely be coming here regularly in future.”

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  Natasha Karavaeva

  ·2 months ago

  “Great coffee and delicious scones. Lovely outside sitting. We’ll definitely come back and bring friends :D”

• N

  Neal

  ·2 months ago

  “Lovely cream tea, and tuna sandwich, iced coffee and caramel latte, all professionally served on the river bank, Lovely experience..”

• R

  RY

  ·2 months ago

  “We had a lovely experience in Whittington’s Tea Barge. The vibe there was so peaceful and relaxing. The staff were very friendly. The afternoon tea set and the all day breakfast were fantastic. The pistachios cake was so delicious. Whittington’s Tea Barge is highly recommended. I would definitely visit Whittington’s Tea Barge again when I visit Reading next time. 🥰”

• M

  Matt Garrard

  ·5 months ago

  “Beautiful setting for a tasty Cha Chaan Teng. We recommend the breakfast set with instant noodles and satay beef, almond milk and as many pineapple buns as you can manage. No number twos.”

• E

  Erin Patrick

  ·5 months ago

  “This is my absolute favorite spot to visit in Reading and I am slowly bringing all of my friends to visit as well. The mismatched tea sets are beautiful and add a bit of fun since you never know what it will look like. The views from the windows allow you to watch wildlife while you enjoy delicious scones with all the fixings. The Friday Hong Kong style menu is wonderful. After a full meal my partner and I were recommended the Hong Kong French toast and we were so glad we indulged! The owners are always courteous and friendly. The atmosphere of the tea barge is one that shows it is really cared about by both staff and visitors. I can’t wait for my next visit!”

• A

  Anna M

  ·5 months ago

  “Lovely trip for Mothers day. Gluten free afternoon tea & trip down river. Food & staff are lovely. You can bring your own alcohol if you want. Can have as much tea as you like & you can have more food but it really is very filling. Thoroughly recommend.”

• S

  suki ng

  ·11 months ago

  “Whittington Tea Barge is very popular among people in Reading, and after joining their monthly 2-hour river cruise I can see why it has such a good reputation. The whole experience felt very special. The weather was warm and not windy, which made it perfect for cruising along the River Thames. With only 12 people on board, it was calm, friendly, and never crowded — a very personal experience compared to bigger boat trips. At the time of boarding, I was served the tea set. The handmade scones were fresh and delicious, and the service was good and welcoming throughout. The tea set also included sandwiches, desserts, and a choice of coffee or tea — all well prepared, nicely presented, and filling. It felt like the perfect balance between a traditional English tea and a relaxed river journey. Afterwards, I went up to the top deck. If the weather is good, I highly recommend sitting outside — the views of the River Thames are absolutely amazing and it is such a peaceful way to spend the afternoon. The whole cruise was very well organised, with enough time to enjoy both the food and the scenery without feeling rushed. For future visitors, it’s worth knowing that the river cruise only runs once a month and you need to reserve in advance as spaces are limited. On normal weekends, the barge stays in its usual spot on the river and serves a special weekend menu, so you can still enjoy eating on the boat even if there is no cruise that day. Overall, this was a wonderful and memorable experience — great food, friendly service, and beautiful river views. A lovely way to spend a couple of hours by the water in Reading. Highly recommended!”

• G

  Giann Lai

  ·1 year ago

  “I've been wanting to try this restaurant for SO long — and I finally came today with my friend! 🎉 It’s the perfect spot for a catch-up and some Instagram-worthy shots 📸✨ The food was amazing — simple at first glance, but super fresh and packed with flavour. You can really taste the quality! The place itself is gorgeous, with such a lovely vibe. And the service? So warm and friendly! 💕 Highly recommend this place — definitely worth a visit!”

• C

  Cherie Chong

  ·1 year ago

  “🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 We visited Whittington’s Tea Barge yesterday as a family, and it was such a lovely experience. The setting on the boat is so peaceful and unique—perfect for a relaxing afternoon by the river. The afternoon tea was excellent. The scones were fluffy, served with delicious clotted cream and jam, and the tea selection was impressive. The staff were very friendly and made us feel truly welcome. My daughter absolutely loved it—she kept saying how cute and special the boat was! It’s a rare find that appeals to both adults and kids. Highly recommend for families, couples, or anyone looking for a cozy and memorable tea experience.”