The owner of a popular and longstanding restaurant in West Berkshire says they are continuing to thrive thanks to their loyal customer base.

Wai Tak Wu, owner of the Szechuan Inn in Thatcham which has been running for 37 years, said he feels very lucky to have so much support in the community for his much-loved restaurant. 

Mr Wu wanted to speak out to reassure the public after concern from a well-meaning member of the public about restaurants in Thatcham. 

"We are so lucky to have the support from the local people for many years," said Mr Wu. "We are very popular. Our customers love the food and love the atmosphere of the restaurant."

Mr Wu has been the manager of the Szechuan Inn for 37 years and has relished every moment of serving his many regulars. 

"I really appreciate all my staff and all of my local customers who have supported us over the years. We are so fortunate," he continued. 

His comments come after concern from a well-meaning member of the public who said she was worried to see two of her favourite eateries open but had few customers when she walked past one evening. 

Sophie Stone, 26, from Thatcham, said it “broke her heart” to walk past the Szechuan Inn Chinese restaurant and The Spice which is an Indian restaurant, both that have been favourites since my childhood, and saw neither appeared to have any customers.

After Mr Wu's customers saw the previous article that detailed Ms Stone's worries for the Szechuan Inn, many people came in to check if they were doing okay. 

A lot of people also called the business out of concern that they may be closing down. 

"We had many of the customers calling us as they were so worried. But we are lucky to have the support from everyone and are not in any trouble," Mr Wu said. 

Ms Stone said that the Szechuan Inn is one of the best Chinese restaurants around and that they always offer great customer service. 

She also mentioned that there is one particular server who is very friendly and constantly joking with customers. 

"If they had closed and I wouldn't be able to see him again it would be like Thatcham has lost a really good restaurant and you also don't get to see their lovely staff," Ms Stone continued.