Fresh faces have arrived at a shopping centre that has become an eating destination in Reading.
The Kings Walk shopping mall was rebranded ‘The Village’ around 10 years ago by its owning company Atlantis Properties.
Located in the town centre, it was previously home to Burger King, the Art of Siam restaurant, Mix Cocktails and other stores, and through the years has undergone a transition into a global food destination.
The Village is currently home to two Chili’s Indian restaurants, Pho, DingTea, JieLi Hotpot, Bahn Mi Qb, The Soju, Take Your Time and the Escape Hunt escape room.
One of the latest arrivals is Chill Cup, a Hong Kong-style cafe and eatery located on the upper floor of the mall.
As well as serving a range of food, desserts and speciality drinks, also sells trading cards from the card games Pokémon, Naruto and One Piece, toys and accessories.
Among the Pokémon cards on display were Pikachu, Mewtwo, and Gyarados.
Wilber Lee, who was at the serving desk, said: “Basically, we sell bubble tea and also sell some snack food from Asia, specifically Hong Kong.
“We have egg waffles, steamed bowls, stir fry, fish bowl.
“And also we are very happy to do a set menu as well.”
Guests can choose from a street food snack and drink meal or an egg waffle and drink combo.
Mr Lee added: “The Hong Kong people are most likely to order the food and drink here.
“The local people, they want Pokémon.”
The first cafe called ‘My Cup of HK Tea’ was established at Leeds Kirkgate Market, with the Reading location opening in February.
Despite the unique selling point of the business, the recent heatwave has dampened customer footfall.
Mr Lee said: “During the heatwave, not many people have been coming out, so business has dropped a bit, but we’re doing ok.”
The Village is accessed from the ground level, with entrances in Kings Street and from The Oracle Riverside at Yield Hall Place.
Churros Kitchen has been replaced with Neko Kitchen, which opened on March 20.
Menu items include Takoyaki (octopus balls), Japanese Fried Chicken (Karaage), Japanese curry rice, gyoza and bubble tea.
Near that entrance, the ‘My Warsaw’ Polish street food has been replaced by Laddu Box, which specialises in Indian sweet treats and drinks.
The sweet takeaway opened in November last year.
Back outside, the High Spirits Cocktail Company closed in August last year and has been replaced with Celeste cocktail and shisha lounge.
According to its website, Celeste is open from 6.30pm to 1am on Thursdays, and 6.30pm to 2am on Fridays and Saturdays.
