Chilis Indian restaurant in Station Approach, Newbury, to open second outlet in The Village mall, Reading

The owner of Chilis restaurant in Newbury is set to take over a unit in a Reading mall that’s been vacant for six years, writes Local Democracy Reporter James Aldridge.

Krishna Vangala, the owner of Chilis at Station Approach, will be opening his second Chilis restaurant in the old Art of Siam unit.

Mr Vangala said: “Renovation of the restaurant is going on at the moment.

“We’re hoping to open in September.”

The Art of Siam Thai restaurant closed down in The Village mall, better known as King’s Walk, back in December 2015.

Since then, the grand space it occupied in the upper floor of the mall has been left empty.

In preparation for opening, Mr Vangala has submitted a licensing application to Reading Borough Council.

Chilis in Reading will be open from 9am to 11pm Monday to Sunday, with the application being to sell alcohol on premises during these times.

Anyone who wants to comment on the application can do so by emailing licensing@reading.gov.uk