[2025 Reading Restaurant] Travel Guide for Las Iguanas - Reading (Updated Jul)

Tucked into the heart of Reading town centre, just steps from the train station, The Oracle is more than just a shopping centre—it’s a full day out. Whether you’re after retail therapy, riverside dining, or a lazy afternoon film, this modern mall on the banks of the River Kennet delivers it all with a touch of charm and convenience. Morning: Shopping Starts Here We arrived around 10 a.m., when the mall had just begun to stir. The Oracle’s layout is open and light-filled, making it feel less like a shopping mall and more like a stylish retail boulevard. Spread across two levels, you’ll find all your favourites: Zara, H&M, Next, Apple, and House of Fraser, alongside beauty giants like MAC and Superdrug. The variety is perfect—whether you're updating your wardrobe, picking up tech gadgets, or hunting for a last-minute gift, The Oracle has you covered. Even better, the stores are interspersed with coffee stops like Caffè Nero and Starbucks, for those mid-morning shopping breaks. Midday: Riverside Eats with a View One of The Oracle’s biggest surprises is just outside—its Riverside Dining Quarter, a line-up of restaurants that overlooks the peaceful River Kennet. As lunchtime rolled around, we walked past swans gliding through the water and chose a sunny table outside Las Iguanas. From there, we had a front-row seat to the river, with a delicious spread of Latin-inspired dishes and refreshing cocktails. Other great options included Wagamama, Franco Manca, and The Real Greek—all with outdoor seating and river views. Afternoon: Relax, Rewind, Repeat After lunch, we caught a film at Vue Cinema, which is conveniently inside the mall. With reclining seats and huge screens, it was a perfect way to rest our feet. If movies aren’t your thing, there’s always the River Walk, where you can enjoy a scenic stroll along the Kennet or even take a short walk toward the historic Reading Abbey ruins. Evening: Golden Hour at the Oracle Lakes If you’re up for a peaceful sunset escape after your day of shopping and eating, a quick 15-minute bus or drive takes you to the Oracle Lakes in nearby Thames Valley Park. There, we watched the sky turn amber as ducks and dragonflies skimmed across still waters—an unexpectedly serene ending to a lively day. Final Thoughts Whether you’re in Reading for the day or the weekend, The Oracle offers the best of both worlds: vibrant city shopping and dining with a laid-back riverside atmosphere. It’s perfect for couples, families, solo travellers—or anyone looking to mix retail therapy with a dash of nature and relaxation. 📌 Travel Tips: 📍 Location: The Oracle, Reading RG1 2AG 🚉 Getting There: 5-minute walk from Reading Station; easily accessible by train from London (~25 mins) 🛍️ Shops to check out: Apple, Zara, H&M, House of Fraser, Victoria’s Secret 🍴 Best dining spots: The Botanist, Las Iguanas, Franco Manca, Five Guys 🎬 Entertainment: Vue Cinema, riverside walks, nearby Abbey Ruins 🚍 Bonus tip: Take the TVP shuttle from town to Oracle Lakes for a relaxing end to your day

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