Both of the TGI Fridays restaurants in Reading have now closed following ongoing troubles for the American diner chain.
Both of the TGI Fridays restaurants in Reading have now closed following ongoing troubles for the American diner chain.
Reading once had two Fridays: the first opened on Caversham Road in August 1989, and a second launched at The Oracle Riverside (in the same building as the Vue) in October 2015.
The Oracle site shut first, closing its doors for the last time on June 3, 2024. The Caversham Road diner, which had lasted 36 years, closed on Wednesday, January 14 along with 15 other TGI Fridays up and down the country.
The phone answering machine at the restaurant states: “Hi there, thanks for calling.
“Unfortunately, this TGI Fridays location has now permanently closed and is no longer trading, but don’t worry, you can still enjoy your Fridays favourites – just head over to our website to find your nearest open restaurant.
“Thanks again and we hope to welcome you at another TGI Fridays soon.”
The nearest TGI Fridays now is at the retail park in Crest Road, High Wycombe, about 14 miles away. The chain’s branch at The Lexicon in Bracknell closed in October 2024, and the company has been reduced to 33 locations.
Both Reading sites had long been under threat because of redevelopment plans. Aviva Life & Pensions UK, which owns Vastern Court, won permission from the Conservative government in 2024 to replace the site with 1,000 flats and new commercial space; the project would also involve demolishing the building that houses Aldi, The Range, Majestic Wines and One Beyond. Little has happened on that scheme since the outline plans were approved.
The Oracle Riverside closure came amid plans from centre owners Hammerson to replace the building it occupied with 218 flats. A decision that was due in December was deferred by Reading Borough Council’s planning applications committee so members could carry out a site visit and assess the impacts; the site visit has been scheduled for either January 22 or January 29. It is not clear when a decision on The Oracle redevelopment project will be made.
The Oracle scheme would involve demolishing the Vue building and replacing it with flats, a re‑provided cinema and a restaurant.
James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter
