A coffee shop with a difference has opened in Reading’s town centre – by night, it serves specially selected wines and craft beers. And it’s also host to the UK’s best latte artist.
Artigiano, opposite Clas Ohslon and near Broad Street Mall, opened its doors for the first time on Wednesday, December 17 and the family-run shop aims to give the town a continental-style Espresso & Wine Bar.
The store’s head barista, Matthew Woolley, is the best in the country – he represented the UK in the 2014 World Latte Art Championships in Melbourne, Australia.
During the day, it serves speciality coffee, fresh juices and smoothies alongside tasty treats prepared on site, including croissants, muffins and pastries.
In the evening, the coffee shop becomes wine bar with boutique bottles mixing with cocktails, craft beers and a house beer and cider.
On Thursdays, it will host acoustic music and DJ sessions.
The Reading branch is just the third for the family owned business, which launched near St Paul’s Cathedral in March last year.
Managing Director Joe Hill said: “We’re independent and family-owned, offering specialities coffees. It’s made with hand-roasted beans and there’s a specific blend for Artigiano.”
The coffee is bought along fair-trade principles, with Artigiano guaranteeing a fair price for its growers. Its relationship with its suppliers also means that it can offer a regularly changing special coffee, something that Joe is proud of.
He said: “There’s a single estate blend that changes every month for the more discerning drinker.”
Joe feels that the fusion between coffee house and wine bar is unique and will provide a much needed boost for Reading, especially as it will be one of the few coffee shops in town to open late in the evening six days a week.
“What sets us apart is that we become a mini-bar,” he explains. “We specialise in craft beers and fine wines.”
Artigiano is open from 7am to 9pm on Mondays to Wednesdays, from 7am to 11.30pm Thursdays-Saturdays and 9am to 6pm.
For more details, log on to its website.
Last modified on Thursday, 18 December 2014 09:57
