Shed Cafe, Reading Retail Awards nomination

Shed Cafe was entered into the Cafes, Coffee and Lunch section by Damien Passmore.

The cafe, which is run by partners and Reading residents Peter Hafferan and Lydia Owen, opened four years ago when previous tenants Chan Cham closed business.

“I think the main quality that separates us from other cafes is that we remember our customers by name and look after them personally,” said Mr Hafferan. “You can come into our cafe, talk to us and have a very individual service.”

Aside from the personal touch, the Shed team provide an array of coffees, teas, cakes and lunches made freshly on the premises.

Mr Hafferan said: “Everything is made in house.

“We make fresh soup every day and have weekly specials. Wednesday is sausage and mash day. We get different sausages each week from the local butchers. Friday is chicken and rice day.”

It is the first time that Mr Hafferan, who played in a band before opening Shed, and Miss Owen, who used to work as a chocolate tester for Cadbury’s, have been nominated for a Reading Retail Award.

“We would be very proud if we won,” said Mr Hafferan.

“We follow and support the awards. A lot of the businesses that have won in previous years are great.”

Customer Mr Passmore said: “It’s always perfect service every time.

“The food is great, the staff are super-friendly, and the menu is a great balance of the familiar and unusual.

“Whenever I want lunch in town, I don’t go anywhere else.”

The Reading Retail Awards are now in their seventh year. Nominations close on July 11 with the awards ceremony is at the Hilton Hotel on September 17.