A RESTAURANT on the Oxford Road has won permission to serve alcohol to diners and play music.
Avila Gourmet, which serves African food, including peri-peri, stews, grilled meats and rice dishes.
Adeniko Kalejaiye, one of the owners of the Oxford Road-based restaurant, said: “The reason we applied for the licence was that we wanted to open the place up more to dining customers.
“It was a case of what our customers needs are. They’re looking for a place where they can sit down and enjoy a good meal with friends and family, relax and have a good time.
“We’re really excited and happy the licence has been granted and looking forward to the next steps.”
Mrs Kalejaiye and her business partners said they are now planning to introduce more decorations to add to the experience.
“We want to create a welcoming atmosphere and add more authentic African fittings,” she explained.
“Right now we’ve not really started that, but we hope to do that before the end of the year.”
Although alcoholic drinks are not being introduced straight away, but they will be in the near future.
Mrs Kalejaiye said: “Because we’re an African restaurant we’re going to have a mix of cool African drinks and other widely available alcoholic drinks as well.
“There will be music playing in the background while people enjoy themselves, but we’re not looking to host live performances at the moment.”
Avila began as catering business in 2015, an element of the business which remains in full function, with Avila catering for weddings, parties and other special occasions.
The restaurant opened in November 2019, in a unit previously occupied by Peri Peri Original. It also offers takeaways and home deliveries.
Reading Borough Council granted permission for music and dance performances between 6pm and 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays, play recorded music from 4pm to 10pm Monday to Thursday. Alcohol can be served from 2pm to 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays and 4pm to 10pm the rest of the week.
