Berkshire


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lowdown">THE LOWDOWN</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="2000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/03/artichoke-cafe-IMG_1331.jpeg" alt="artichoke cafe pangbourne best brunch near me" class="wp-image-87662" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/03/artichoke-cafe-IMG_1331.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/03/artichoke-cafe-IMG_1331-600x800.jpeg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/03/artichoke-cafe-IMG_1331-750x1000.jpeg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/03/artichoke-cafe-IMG_1331-300x400.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/03/artichoke-cafe-IMG_1331-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/03/artichoke-cafe-IMG_1331-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>There’s something deeply satisfying about a café that just gets brunch right. <a href="https://www.artichoke.cafe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Artichoke Café</a> is one of those places. The lovely Pangbourne original opened in October 2023 and quickly earned a reputation for its laid-back vibe, friendly service and plates that look as good as they taste. Two years later, the brand expanded with a second café in Crowthorne, which opened in Dec 2025, bringing the same winning formula of comforting brunch classics, seasonal ingredients and seriously good coffee to a new crowd of regulars. Both cafés welcome dogs, and the Pangbourne spot comes with a charming outdoor terrace that’s perfect for a little sunshine top-up when the weather cooperates.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1677" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/03/artichoke-cafe-FullSizeRender_VSCO-2.jpg" alt="artichoke cafe crowthorne best brunch near reading" class="wp-image-87445" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/03/artichoke-cafe-FullSizeRender_VSCO-2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/03/artichoke-cafe-FullSizeRender_VSCO-2-477x800.jpg 477w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/03/artichoke-cafe-FullSizeRender_VSCO-2-596x1000.jpg 596w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/03/artichoke-cafe-FullSizeRender_VSCO-2-239x400.jpg 239w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/03/artichoke-cafe-FullSizeRender_VSCO-2-768x1288.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/03/artichoke-cafe-FullSizeRender_VSCO-2-916x1536.jpg 916w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Step inside and you’re greeted by an interior that instantly lifts the mood. Every wall is drenched in a sunny aqua shade with cute little prints, giving the space a breezy European beach-café feel, while dried flower posies on each table add a homely, lived-in warmth. It’s cosy rather than cavernous, which only adds to the charm but does mean tables are somewhat limited. Come the weekend, the place tends to get pretty stacked, so I would seriously consider booking ahead, lest face the prospect of queuing.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1778" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/03/artichoke-cafe-F3A4F210-626C-402C-A27E-617658C911CB.jpeg" alt="artichoke cafe" class="wp-image-87661" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/03/artichoke-cafe-F3A4F210-626C-402C-A27E-617658C911CB.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/03/artichoke-cafe-F3A4F210-626C-402C-A27E-617658C911CB-450x800.jpeg 450w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/03/artichoke-cafe-F3A4F210-626C-402C-A27E-617658C911CB-562x1000.jpeg 562w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/03/artichoke-cafe-F3A4F210-626C-402C-A27E-617658C911CB-225x400.jpeg 225w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/03/artichoke-cafe-F3A4F210-626C-402C-A27E-617658C911CB-768x1366.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/03/artichoke-cafe-F3A4F210-626C-402C-A27E-617658C911CB-864x1536.jpeg 864w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>As for the ambience, as I visited at a slightly more unusual late afternoon time, we were the only people in there, so it&#8217;s hard to say. I can only imagine the hordes of friends, couples, and hard-core brunchers who flock to get their chops around the goods at busier times of the day. That being said, if you are a WFH type, this is a great spot to grab a coffee and a bite in the afternoons. And support local while you&#8217;re at it of course. A win-win. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-amp-quaff">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1197" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/03/artichoke-cafe-IMG_4930_VSCO.jpg" alt="best cafes in pangbourne" class="wp-image-87452" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/03/artichoke-cafe-IMG_4930_VSCO.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/03/artichoke-cafe-IMG_4930_VSCO-800x638.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/03/artichoke-cafe-IMG_4930_VSCO-1000x798.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/03/artichoke-cafe-IMG_4930_VSCO-400x319.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/03/artichoke-cafe-IMG_4930_VSCO-768x613.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Decisions, decisions. On the menu, expect a diverse greatest-hits lineup of brunch and lunch comforts. Egg royale, avo on toast, goat’s cheese and spinach toasties, fluffy pancakes, plus lunchtime burgers with coleslaw and chips. Everything is made fresh to order and built around seasonal ingredients. The smoothies are excellent, the coffee even better, and both rank high on the priorities list. Naturally. </p>



<p>Service is very friendly and efficient too &#8211; always a plus when it comes to popular cafés where speed is sometimes lacking. If I was visiting for brunch, there&#8217;s no doubt I&#8217;d be ordering the beef brisket benedict. Ermm, yum? But with it being later in the day, it could only be the chicken burger for me.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="2000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/03/artichoke-cafe-IMG_4923_VSCO.jpg" alt="brunch spots in pangbourne" class="wp-image-87451" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/03/artichoke-cafe-IMG_4923_VSCO.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/03/artichoke-cafe-IMG_4923_VSCO-600x800.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/03/artichoke-cafe-IMG_4923_VSCO-750x1000.jpg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/03/artichoke-cafe-IMG_4923_VSCO-300x400.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/03/artichoke-cafe-IMG_4923_VSCO-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/03/artichoke-cafe-IMG_4923_VSCO-1152x1536.jpg 1152w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The burger came served with bacon, cheese, fries and coleslaw. A mighty feast. It was served piping hot. Like literally, you couldn&#8217;t get it fresher off the grill if you tried. Let me tell you, it hit just the right spot. Meanwhile, my foodie date (my mum), went for the halloumi burger which was equally delicious. </p>



<p>A word of advice: get. a. milkshake. There&#8217;s a range of flavours to choose from including Oreo, chocolate, banana, strawberry, and Biscoff. I went for Oreo and it was ridiculously creamy, topped with crumbly bits of biscuit. A burger and a shake? Let&#8217;s be real, it doesn&#8217;t get better than that. It&#8217;s shameless indulgence personified, and I already can&#8217;t wait to grab some friends and return to try some of the, hm, hm, healthier brunch options. Delicious.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-out-amp-about">OUT &amp; ABOUT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/02/Daffodils-at-Basildon-Park-by-Hugh-Mothersole.jpg" alt="Daffodils in front of Basildon Park house" class="wp-image-50618" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/02/Daffodils-at-Basildon-Park-by-Hugh-Mothersole.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/02/Daffodils-at-Basildon-Park-by-Hugh-Mothersole-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/02/Daffodils-at-Basildon-Park-by-Hugh-Mothersole-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/02/Daffodils-at-Basildon-Park-by-Hugh-Mothersole-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/02/Daffodils-at-Basildon-Park-by-Hugh-Mothersole-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/02/Daffodils-at-Basildon-Park-by-Hugh-Mothersole-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/02/Daffodils-at-Basildon-Park-by-Hugh-Mothersole-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/02/Daffodils-at-Basildon-Park-by-Hugh-Mothersole-1100x1100.jpg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>There’s plenty to keep you busy around Pangbourne if you fancy making a day of it. Just minutes away, the elegant National Trust hottie <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/oxfordshire-buckinghamshire-berkshire/basildon-park" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Basildon Park</a> is a must for a wander, with its grand 18th-century Palladian mansion set within 400 acres of historic parkland, walking trails and beautifully restored gardens that change colour with the seasons. Families will love nearby <a href="https://bealepark.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beale Wildlife Park</a>, home to monkeys, capybaras, sloths, wallabies, and more. </p>



<p>Back in the village itself, Pangbourne’s charming high street is dotted with independent boutiques and gift shops. Nearest to Artichoke Café are <a href="https://kikiandbow.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kiki &amp; Bow</a> and <a href="https://www.grace-theboutique.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GRACE.</a> which are well-worth a mooch. Yes, I had a gander. Yes, I ended up buying stuff. It was inevitable really.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="2000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/03/artichoke-cafe-FullSizeRender_VSCO-6.jpg" alt="artichoke cafe best brunch near me" class="wp-image-87449" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/03/artichoke-cafe-FullSizeRender_VSCO-6.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/03/artichoke-cafe-FullSizeRender_VSCO-6-600x800.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/03/artichoke-cafe-FullSizeRender_VSCO-6-750x1000.jpg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/03/artichoke-cafe-FullSizeRender_VSCO-6-300x400.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/03/artichoke-cafe-FullSizeRender_VSCO-6-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/03/artichoke-cafe-FullSizeRender_VSCO-6-1152x1536.jpg 1152w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong>&nbsp;Brunch devotees, coffee purists and anyone who appreciates beautifully plated comfort food in a relaxed, dog-friendly setting will feel right at home at Artichoke Café.</p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong>&nbsp;On busy weekends, anyone who dislikes a bit of bustle or waiting for a table may want to plan carefully or visit midweek instead.</p>



<p><strong>The damage:</strong> Very decent. Breakfast items start at £9.50, grab a burger with fries for £13.50, salads from £11.50, and pancakes from £8.50. Coffee flirts around the £3 mark.</p>



<p><em><a href="https://www.artichoke.cafe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Artichoke Cafe</a>, 27A Reading Road, Pangbourne, Reading, RG8 7HY. Phone: 0118 304 8022.</em></p>


Review: Artichoke Café, Pangbourne

You may also like