Several new restaurants have opened in Reading town centre, with more opening soon.
Here we take a look at some of the restaurants and takeaways set to open in Reading later this year.
1. Popeyes
The American fast-food chain opened its doors on Reading’s Broad Street on Thursday, February 23.
More than a week after opening, the high street’s new addition appears popular as locals queue out the door.
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen opened its first restaurant in New Orleans in the 1970s before moving to the UK in 2021, with the first shop in London.
The chain is known for its southern-style chicken sandwiches and American biscuits.
Reading has become a popular choice for American fast-food chains with Wendy’s and Taco Bell opening stores in the town.
2. Coco di Mama
On Friday, February 10, Coco di Mama opened its first restaurant outside of London, in the heart of Reading.
The Italian-to-go restaurant first opened its doors in 2011 with the aim to become the ‘nation’s most loved Italian-to-go.
The new store is open on Broad Street, opposite the Oracle Shopping Centre.
The chain is known for its coffee, award-winning pasta and Italian doughnuts.
3. Black sheep coffee
Café chain Black Sheep Coffee opened its second branch on Broad Street, Reading.
The chain opened its first branch in Reading, on Queen Victoria Street, last year.
The company specialises in coffee and sells a range of other items including pastries, sandwiches and smoothies.
4. Marugame Udon
The new Japanese restaurant was set to open at the end of 2022, however the building is still boarded up with a note stating it will open ‘early 2023’.
Marugame Udon will replace the former Pizza Hut store on the riverfront.
The Japanese restaurant that specialises in authentic udon noodle dishes only launched in the UK in 2021, but has already seen success in its six London stores.
The Reading store will open as part of the company’s European expansion with 150 restaurants opening across the Continent.
Marugame will open sometime this year and will serve a variety of Japanese dishes with udon bowls starting from the low price of £3.45.
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