Côte Reading

You'll find this branch of the reliable French chain tucked into The Riverside development, where the floor-to-ceiling windows make the most of those canal views. The menu hits all the expected notes – decent coq au vin, proper steak frites, and a croque monsieur that doesn't disappoint – but it's the execution that keeps locals coming back rather than dismissing it as just another chain. The all-day opening hours are genuinely useful when you need somewhere dependable for a business lunch or weekend brunch that won't let you down. Service runs smoothly, the wine list does its job, and while you're not getting cutting-edge cuisine, you're getting consistently good French brasserie food in pleasant surroundings.