Global Cafe

Don’t know how this place was missing from Unilocal.It’s one of the first places I found in Reading that gave me the slice of art and culture I was craving, aside from the museum at the town hall which is relatively static. This, on the other hand, is dynamic and full of life.
If you are interested in the environment, international affairs or jazz, poetry and other music, then this is the place for you. If you are not interested in any of these things but want to try some different food then come here for a variety of African dishes, I believe it specialises in Ethiopian food, I had a rice dish with lamb (was a while ago, can’t remember the name) but wasn’t as tasty as I expected it to be since I was hoping for a more North African flavour.
Also, the World Shop next door has an amazing collection of objects from around the world. There are so many handmade marvels and interesting trinkets and toys that you risk browsing there a long time. I love the way the store is laid out and they are always updating the merchandise. It has a lot of yummy fair-​trade snacks and teas. At the back of the shop you can find some really special books among the more mainstream ones that you would have trouble finding elsewhere, even on amazon!
The downside is it’s a little pricy but it is a registered charity so you know your money is going to a good cause and helping others. I’ve been dying to buy some of the furniture– so gorgeous!
Definitely check this place out and look at the website for the different music and events that they have going on.

A true community place, RISC is a lot more than a restaurant. Although the Ethiopian cooking of Tutu’s is outstanding! — You get a great authentic meal there for a very reasonable price.
The décor is certainly eclectic, and partly really rather worn, but that adds to the charm.
Often there are gigs, readings, and other cultural events at RISC and that is what really makes the place. It is a meeting point for free thinkers, free spirits, and people from all sorts of cultures in the town.

Love this place! Is really different and the food is basic but so tasty. I love the shop too and they hold all types of classes here. Even sells Carib beer and I’ve been looking for that everywhere. Not too far from the centre of town and sells fairtrade, organic things and well as different types of food.

Long live the independant. Without places such as these, town-​centers would be swamped by the likes of Starbucks and Costa. I always enjoy eating and drinking here and find it relaxing to the extreme.

a nice plase to spend time and money, grate if your looking for sumthing a lil different!

Excellent place which is slightly different from the other pubs/​restaurants. The place is in the same building as the RISC shop, which sells fairtrade stuff and craft from impoverished countries.
My friends and I went for the Ethiopian buffet, which was good, and we stayed on for some music from a band (forgot the band name now, sorry). They had a couple of seats outside and even moved a couch onto the pavement. It was a cool and very chilled out atmosphere, which is really nice.
if you are looking for a change in venue, I would recommend that you give the Global café a try.

What a wonderful place!
I recently saw a punk gig here (upstairs) and was overwhelmed by how lovely it was. Very ethnic and very ecclectic and it makes everyone feel welcome.
The staff are lovely and the food and drinks are all impressive — even if a little on the expensive side.
Fantastic décor and extremely relaxing.
There’s a little shop next door but it was closed — looked like they had some wonderful pieces for sale though!
I can’t wait to go back!

If you are fed up with the global chain cafes in town, take a walk on the wildside (over the traffic lights at the Vue cinema at the Oracle) and discover the Global Café.
Offering a range of international dishes and drinks in relaxed surroundings, it is just the ticket after a busy time shopping around the Oracle.
Definitely one of a kind, with a loyal following of locals.
there are themed food nights, a quiz night, and a roof garden that opens its doors every couple of months.
A great place.
there is also a global shop next door well worth a visit too.