Sign in Subscribe
Restaurants

Newbury Fine Dining Restaurant to Close, Replacing with "Parched Independent Bar"

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Mo Hansubhayyan, founder of the Japanese restaurant Sushizen, confirmed the closure of the eatery, which opened its doors on Bartholomew Street in November 2022. After celebrating its first birthday, Sushizen will be replaced by a new venue called 'Parched Independent Bar', according to a planning application submitted to West Berkshire Council. The proposal includes a comprehensive refurbishment of the Grade II listed building, with the aim of transforming it into a unique bar experience.

Key Takeaways:

  • Sushizen, a Japanese fine dining restaurant, will close its doors next week, marking the end of its first year of operation in Newbury.
  • The restaurant's founder, Mo Hansubhayyan, confirmed the closure, paving the way for a new venture in the same location.
  • A planning application has been submitted to West Berkshire Council to transform the Grade II listed building into 'Parched Independent Bar', a unique bar experience.
  • The proposal includes a full indoor refurbishment, adding a new bar counter, fixed seating, and removing the current plaster finish to expose the original brickwork.
  • New flooring and lighting will be added, and the decorative archway will be removed to form a new partition wall with a window to create a view to the new chilled cellar.
  • The council is expected to decide on the application by Thursday, August 7.
  • Colin Martin, of KCM Pubs, is behind the planning application, which seeks permission to redecorate the existing shopfront with new signage and to reinstate access to the courtyard.

Statistics:

  • Sushizen opened its doors on Bartholomew Street in November 2022.
  • The restaurant will close next week, marking the end of its first year of operation.
  • The council is expected to decide on the planning application by Thursday, August 7.

Sources:

  • (1) NewburyToday.co.uk, "Japanese restaurant Sushizen on Bartholomew Street celebrates first birthday" (no date provided).
  • (2) West Berkshire Council, planning application by Colin Martin of KCM Pubs (no date provided).

Read more