Pachanga's closes for good in Newbury town centre
A Mexican restaurant has closed 16 months after opening in Newbury town centre.
Rising rates, pedestrianisation and a power outage lasting days all spelt the end for Newbury’s Pachanga’s, which closed its doors for good on Saturday night (July 5).
The restaurant – which takes its name from a Latin American slang word meaning a party that includes food, drinks, family, friends and music – opened in the Market Place in March 2024.
But owner Jamie Allen said it was financially no longer viable to run and has been forced to shut.
THE FOOD REVIEW: Pachangas, Mexican restaurant in Newbury’s Market Place
He said: “It was losing a lot every week, a combination of the way it was run, but primarily pedestrianisation killed the takeaway service.
“People don’t want to pay the £2.50 charge for parking to pick up a takeaway.
“I’ve paid so much money out of my own pocket for staff and to keep things going.”
Mr Allen also blamed rising employer National Insurance rates and National Living Wage payments for the venue’s decline.
“It all came together,” he added. “The Government and West Berkshire Council haven’t helped in the slightest.”
Mr Allen also confirmed The Newbury pub on Bartholomew Street, which he previously ran with business partner Aaron D'souza, changed hands on Wednesday (July 9).
Landlord Greene King confirmed the pub will officially reopen to the public from Monday (July 14).
Mr Allen is still involved with Sushi Maki and Chego’s in Newbury town centre.
