Reading to get new convenience store

By James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter

A vacant posting business opposite a popular pub in Reading town centre is set to be converted into a convenience store.

The Pack & Send business used to run a showroom in a prominent position in Kings Road, which was closed in 2021.

Now, the shop is set to be converted into a convenience store immediately opposite The Back of Beyond Wetherspoon pub, which is popular among drinkers and diners alike for its wide range of alcohol and dishes at cheaper-than-average prices.

The business Jiyana Food & Wine won permission to sell alcohol from 7am to 11pm each day from Reading Borough Council’s licensing department.

There are currently three other convenience stores in a half-mile radius.

The closest is the Kings Road News and Off Licence located two doors down from the old Pack & Send business.

Further away, there is the M&A convenience store and Today’s Express, which are both located in Duke Street.

Jiyana Food & Wine obtained permission for the alcohol sales at 91-93 Kings Road on Friday, November 10, 2023.

It is understood the company also runs the M&M Food & Wine store at 55-57 Wokingham Road in East Reading.

Meanwhile, Pack & Send moved its operations to the Milford Road industrial area in 2021.

(Local Democracy Reporting Service)