A SYSTEM MALFUNCTION at The Oracle has left the shopping centre including its cafes, pubs and restaurants without cold water.

The incident, which is yet to be resolved, was reported at 9am this morning and with many restaurants such as McDonalds, The Slug and Lettuce and Mission Burrito having to close while the issue is being resolved.

But in the meantime Reading's hungry workers are angry at having to find alternative outlet to spend their lunch hour.

Jenny Bull, 33, a cashier at Morrisons, has had to reschedule meeting her friend for lunch this afternoon due to the water fault.

She said: “It's made me really angry actually. I know it can't be helped but we've been looking around everywhere for a cheap alternative with no luck at all.

“We only get an hour and I've been at work since 8am and having to spend your whole lunch looking around for somewhere else to eat when all these places are closed isn't my idea of a laugh to be honest.”

A spokesman from The Oracle said: “Due to a system malfunction, there is no cold water supply at the moment.

“Whilst the centre is open, this may affect some food and drink retailers. Customers are advised that whilst some toilet facilities may be affected, those in Debenhams and House of Fraser run off a separate water supply and are fully operational.”