It feels like a while since we’ve written a blog post that talks about our venue and what we can do in a more generic way and with 2026 round the corner, now feels like an ideal time to re-introduce who we are and what we do!
Venue Hire
The Jazz Cafe in Reading, Berkshire is first and foremost a venue to hire. With a maximum guest capacity of 240, we can accommodate for smaller events as well as those larger in size, plus we offer dry hire of the venue too allowing you to bring in your own food if you so wish.
Private events are very popular with us and we are often booked months in advance, so if you have a particular date in mind for your event, it’s best to enquire as soon as possible. These events range from milestone birthdays to graduation parties to baby showers and everything in between. It’s a joy to watch The Jazz Cafe be transformed for these parties with bespoke table centrepieces, balloon arches, LED free-standing lights and flowers. Being a live music venue, we have a number of great bands and DJs that we can recommend for your party, or alternatively, you are welcome to bring in your entertainment provided we have a copy of their Public Liability Insurance and PAT Testing beforehand.
When it comes to catering, our Chefs have everything under control. We can offer flexible menus whether you choose a buffet or a three-course meal and we always cater for those with dietary requirements or allergies. Onsite, we have a well-stocked bar which you are welcome to hire with the venue making for a quick, easy solution for drinks throughout your event.
Weddings
In addition to private events, we can also be hired exclusively for wedding receptions. Whilst we are not licensed to conduct wedding ceremonies, The Jazz Cafe is an excellent choice when it comes to your wedding reception.
We believe that your wedding day should be completely bespoke which means you can design your party exactly how you’d like it. Here at The Jazz Cafe, we aim to make the planning process and of course your wedding reception run as smoothly as possible leaving you to celebrate with your loved ones. Whatever your budget may be, we can help fulfil your dreams. Again, we offer use of our bar, and we can cater for your reception whether you’d like a formal three-course meal or a more relaxed buffet. If you’d like midnight munchies or an evening buffet, we can also accommodate this too.
If you have guests that have travelled from afar, neighbouring 4* hotel, voco Reading offers special room rates to guests of The Jazz Cafe starting from just £85 per room. If you would like further information about staying at voco, please speak to a member of our team.
Corporate Events
Whilst we’re more well-known for our private events, we can also accommodate corporate clients too. With easy access to central Reading, and to the M4, we are an ideal location for those corporate clients searching for an events venue.
We’re not your typical meeting or conference venue with syndicate space and boardroom tables, but we can certainly host your companies annual awards gala, a networking evening or even a private Christmas party – basically the fun corporate events! With onsite, modern AV equipment, stage area and a modern décor, The Jazz Cafe lends itself perfectly for clients that need flexibility, catering and entertainment.
Match Days
The Jazz Cafe is located between Gates 7 & 8 at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, therefore it’s only right that we get involved in match days!
Whenever Reading FC has a home fixture, The Jazz Cafe will be open for supporters. If you are a season ticket holder, entry is free. Our opening hours depend on when kick off is, but for midweek games starting at 8pm, we typically open at 5pm and for Saturday games with a 3pm kick off we open at midday.
Every home game, we’ll be serving refreshments (which tends to be a bacon or sausage bap) and our bar is always open. We stay open through half time too, so you are always welcome to pop in and grab something to drink rather than queueing elsewhere in the stadium.
If you would like to enquire with us for an event, please send an email to info@thejazzcafe.co.uk or call 0118 9681 442 – we’d love to hear from you with your 2026 events!
