A new bakery and deli is set to be opened by an already successful business in a busy area of East Reading.
The team behind Cafe Yolk is preparing to open a new deli eatery serving ‘amazing sandwiches’ and more in the weeks to come.
The business successfully expanded to open a takeaway bakery at Cemetery Junction in May.
Now the company is gearing up to open the Donnington Deli, a mere stone’s throw away from its flagship cafe and brunch spot.
The site, at the corner of Erleigh Road and Donnington Road, was previously home to Donnington Cars, an independent car trader which closed earlier this year.
Alexandra Mangat, who runs Cafe Yolk with her husband Sunny, acquired the building this Spring.
A post on Instagram states: “Before it became Donnington Deli, this spot was home to Donnington Cars – a well-loved local garage that kept the community on the move.
“From routine MOTs to helping neighbours find their next car, the team here built a reputation for being reliable, friendly, and at the heart of village life.
“When the wrenches were finally put down and the shutters closed, the space began a new chapter.
“Today, instead of the smell of oil and engines, you’re welcomed with the aroma of fresh bread, amazing sandwiches, and the same sense of community spirit that’s always lived within these walls.
“From cars to a deli, this building has always been and always is about bringing people together.”
Videos posted show the painting and fit-out for the deli progressing.
The building is not ready yet, as no branding or customer seating has been provided inside when the Local Democracy Reporting Service passed at 8.30am on Thursday, October 9.
Another post on Instagram states: “When creating Donnington Deli, we wanted to preserve the history and character of Donnington Cars, which had been such a familiar name in the community.
“The space has been designed to reflect that story, blending old and new,
While celebrating the site’s past.
“A key part of this was embracing the iconic racing green – a colour long associated with British motoring – and carrying it through into the décor. It’s a subtle nod to the building’s heritage, a way of honouring where it all began, while offering a fresh, welcoming space for today.”
The team hopes to open Donnington Deli in the Autumn.
Mrs Mangat won permission for the conversion of the building, 37 Erleigh Road, from a car sales business into general business use on Monday, June 2.
At the time of the submission of the plan, an agent from Tony Thorpe Associates suggested that the former car forecourt could be used as an outdoor dining area.
You can view the approved application by typing reference PL/25/0531 into the council’s planning portal.
