New café Hillen’s Kitchen opens in Faraday Road, Newbury, today where Mrs B’s once was

A new café has opened in Newbury today (Friday).

Hillen’s Kitchen opened its doors at 8am today in the Faraday Road unit recently vacated by Mrs B’s.

Sammy Hillen is the man behind the new venture.

The 29-year-old grew up in Newbury and now lives with his wife and three sons in Thatcham.

He said the new eatery would have ‘brunchy vibes’, offering breakfasts and lunches.

It has had a full make-over, including new flooring, which Mr Hillen has completed all himself.

Having trained as a chef 12 years ago, this is a bit of a switch from his previous roles, where he worked in fine dining restaurants, including The Woodspeen.

For the past four years Mr Hillen has been a private chef, taking the restaurant into people’s homes, but now he wants to create a bistro of his own.

He said: “I love what I do and now I just want to create my own business here.

“I want to do restaurant nights going forward too.

“But one step at a time; I just want to build a local clientele now.”

Mayor of Newbury Andy Moore shared his thoughts at the opening saying: “It's part of the Mayor's job to celebrate people opening businesses, and I wish them all the very best on behalf of the people of Newbury.

“We've got somebody whose Newbury born and bred and works in local places. I wish him all the very best.”

Mr Moore added this is the 207th event he has attended during his civic year as mayor.

Mr Hillen added he will be offering English breakfasts, paninis sandwiches, toasties and some simple salads.

He said there will be ‘grab and go’ options, daily specials and deals available.

And anyone working on Faraday Road will get 10% off if they visit Hillen’s Kitchen.

“I am excited,” he added. “It’s going to be a lot of hard work and some stressful times, but sometimes you have to take a risk.”

Hillen’s Kitchen will be open from 8am-4pm, Tuesday to Saturday.