A Greek restaurant in Caversham has to apply to continue selling beer, wine and spirits.

The restaurant, called Spitiko, the Greek word for ‘homemade’ is located in Prospect Street and is being run by Alketa Karaj, aged 30.

It was previously called Kyrenia, but was rebranded when Ms Karaj took the restaurant over from her godfather, Stelios Zavros, the original owner.

According to the Cypriot news website Parikiaki, Mr Zavros sadly passed away aged 76 at the Royal Berkshire Hospital on April 25, 2021.

Ms Karaj has held a personal alcohol licence since 2016.

The sale of alcohol at the premises was established while Mr Zavros was in charge, but since his passing Ms Karaj has been told that she needed to apply for a new licence.

Ms Karaj explained: “Mostly we sell beers and wine, and some other alcohol such as vodka, brandy and ouzo.”

Reading Chronicle: Spitiko in Prospect Street, Caversham. Credit: Google MapsSpitiko in Prospect Street, Caversham. Credit: Google Maps

The restaurant was previously called Kyrenia after a city in Cyprus, but was renamed when Ms Karaj took over after the first lockdown in Summer 2020.

E&A Spitiko Ltd, the holding company of Spitiko, has applied for alcohol sale on and off the premises from 12pm to 11.30pm Monday to Sunday.

Explaining off premises sales, Ms Karaj said: “We don’t usually have people taking drinks home, but if they don’t finish or want an extra this will allow that.

“But that would only happen rarely.”

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The application has been made to Reading Borough Council.

Anyone who wishes to comment on it can do so by emailing licensing@reading.gov.uk .

The deadline for representations is Friday, October 14.