Two new cafes could soon be coming to Reading.
Plans have been submitted for cafes on Friar Street, in the town centre, and Bridge Street, in Caversham.
Cafes and restaurants have only been allowed to operate as takeaways since the lockdown was enforced on March 24.
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But they could soon be allowed to re-open, according to reports, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson announcing this Sunday how the lockdown will be eased.
Cafes with outdoor seating may be allowed to re-open at the end of June, while those without will have to wait until the end of summer, according to The Mirror.
Strict social distancing laws would be in place throughout this period.
The two new plans for cafes in Reading have been submitted by two different companies, with one focusing on coffee and ice cream and the other on sandwiches.
Sandwiches and baguettes in Caversham
Dinky Kitchen are looking to open a new café in Caversham, selling hot and cold food including sandwiches, baguettes, crisps, cake and drinks to eat in and takeaway from the 18 Bridge Street site.
The owners applied on April 23 to change the use of the building, which was most recently estate agents Philip Baker, to a cafe.
They have been running sandwich vans which operate daily within the Reading area, and also have catering trailers which attend shows, festivals and events.
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The Dinky Kitchen owners said: “We believe the shop is in a great location and within a busy pedestrian area.
“We have been trading for three years and our next step is to open a shop.”
Coffee and ice cream could replace sport store
A coffee and ice cream chain could be coming to Reading soon.
Bru Coffee and Gelato coffee shop would serve hot drinks, pre-prepared food and gelato at 104-105 Friar Street, if approved.
A certificate of lawfulness application was been submitted by 3D Global Ltd on April 28 to turn the current sporting goods store, Sweatshop, into a café.
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Bru has cafes in Birmingham, Harrow, Walthamstow and Cardiff.
Its shops were closed following the lockdown but the Birmingham site has since re-opened for takeaway, with stores in Harrow, Walthamstow and Cardiff to follow soon.
If approved, the Reading store could open initially as a takeaway or possible open fully if the lockdown has been sufficiently relaxed by this point.
Similar proposals have recently been granted in the town centre without seeking a change of use, such as Little Dessert Shop, on Kings Walk.
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