An Indian cuisine restaurant and takeaway in Reading has been forced to close temporarily due to hygiene concerns.
Biryani Lounge in East Reading temporarily closed after hygiene concerns
The Biryani Lounge on Wokingham Road, East Reading, was forced to close temporarily by Reading Borough Council on Friday, January 9 after hygiene concerns. An email tip-off claimed the ‘famous’ restaurant had been shut following the discovery of a rat infestation.
Council hygiene officers can issue a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice (HEPN) to close premises they consider a public health risk. To confirm a closure a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order (HEPO) must be obtained at a Magistrates’ Court hearing, which a business can challenge. A council spokesperson said: “The hearing to request a HEPO, following the issue of a HEPN at the premises at 89 Wokingham Road last week, is due to be heard on Friday, January 16, at Reading Magistrates Court.”
The Biryani Lounge opened in August 2022. At the time, one of the four business owners, who had previously worked at Domino’s, said the business had devised a menu that couldn’t be found elsewhere in the town.
He said: “In terms of Indian cuisine, no one has this particular menu in Reading yet.
“For myself, I used to go to Slough to get similar styles of food, so I thought let’s try to open one at home.”
The owner quoted in 2022 is not currently listed on The Biryani Lounge Ltd entry on Companies House. The restaurant had a 3/5 food hygiene rating following an inspection in February and a 4.2/5 star rating on Google reviews.
James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter
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