CAVERSHAM will gain a new Indian restaurant in the new year, as owners of the acclaimed independent food firm prepare to open the doors to their new base.
A move from Reading’s London Street to The Baron Cadogan, a former Wetherspoons, has been delayed for Clay’s Hyderabadi.
Owners Nandana and Sharat Syamala had hoped to open the Prospect Street restaurant by October. A series of difficulties during the refit, including to the heating system, caused that date to be put back.
It had been hoped to use the existing heating and air conditioning system, but the wiring was allegedly damaged during the refit.
Once completed, the restaurant will seat up to 120 people along with a private dining area and a bar stocked with drinks from local breweries along with soft drinks, wines and spirits.
“We are sorry, but the move to our new place in Caversham is taking longer than anticipated,” Nandana said.
“We are having some issues – one of which is the heating inside. We are working with technicians to fix this as soon as possible, but until then, we cannot guarantee an opening date, nor can we start taking bookings.”
Mrs Syamala said Clay’s has been closed for nearly six months.
She admitted: “If I had known this would happen, I would have held on and kept going at the old place for a bit longer.”
Mrs Syamala said December has been “particularly tough” as cooking work and events took place without proper heating.
She also thanked supporters for raising nearly £110,000 for the move, against a projected total cost of £500,000.
Despite the problems faced, the Clay’s team is determined to open the restaurant in January.
“We have come so close, and we will make this happen. Come January 2023, we will get things fixed – Whatever it takes. We will open the doors for you all. Until then, big cheers from us all,” she wrote.
No planning applications for the advertising or internal modifications have been submitted to Reading Borough Council.
