A lifelong dream will become reality with the opening of the latest addition to Wokingham’s eclectic hospitality sector this week.
Club India is the masterpiece of restaurateur and chef Awanish Roy, and opens in the former Pheasant pub on Reading Road in Winnersh on Thursday.
The venue has been transformed into a vibrant Indian restaurant that will aim to deliver an experience that lives up to its ethos of heritage, cuisine and community.”
Chef Roy, who has cooked for British prime ministers and global celebrities, brings two decades of culinary expertise to the new venture..
Having worked with top establishments including Oberoi Hotels and The Cinnamon Club, he has returned to Wokingham to fulfil his lifelong dream of opening his own restaurant.
Adding to the excitement is the involvement of Chef Srijith Gopinathan, a pioneer who is renowned for his acclaimed Cal-Indian cuisine in San Francisco.
Chef Gopinathan previously led the kitchen at Taj Campton Place in San Francisco, where he earned two Michelin stars.
His culinary journey also included working in the kitchens of Raymond Blanc and Gary Jones at the two-Michelin-starred Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons in Oxford.
Chef Roy said: “Chef Srijith Gopinathan has been instrumental in the inception of Club India.
“Beyond his invaluable guidance, he’ll also be featuring exclusive dishes of his own creation on our very own menu.”
The venue also features an adjoining boutique hotel, aptly named ‘The Club Wokingham Hotel’, offering 12 en-suite double rooms.
Speaking to Wokingham Today earlier this week, Chef Roy admitted to being very excited.
He said: “When we took over this place, it was a complete shambles. It’s unrecognisable from then.”
He admitted the substantial investment is part of a long-held dream.
He said: “I was looking for somewhere for a while, and I couldn’t have asked for a better place with the location, the size, the parking, the big garden, and the hotel alongside.”
Chef Roy has lofty ambitions for his new venture.
As well as offering unique dishes that will be seen for the first time in the country in Winnersh, he said: “Our mission for Club India is very clear.
“We will definitely be aiming for a Michelin star.”
Club India opens its doors on today (July 10), with reservations for the grand opening available exclusively by booking.
To secure your table you can follow on Instagram @club.india.uk or Facebook facebook.com/club.india.uk for the latest updates, behind-the-scenes previews, and booking details.
