A town centre trader serving up has spoken about his plans for the future and how the first few months of business have been.

Bikaschandra Rana opened Alina’s Fish and Wingies in the Brunel Shopping Centre’s Crossing food hub in January after he decided to expand the range sold through his previous burgers-only brand of Mooba, which he co-owned with his partner Maximillian Ilau.

Max went off to run his own business, so Bikaschandra’s brother Moniraj Rana - previously head chef at the Frankie & Benny’s restaurant in Greenbridge - teamed up with his sibling to start this new venture.

Mr Rana told the Adver: “People loved our burgers but there wasn’t much variety, regular customers wanted fish and chips, so we added that and chicken wings all in one.

“We have regular customers from Mooba who still come here, a few stores in the Brunel closing has impacted us but we’re still surviving. Our takeaways after 6pm are popular and get good feedback.

“People say it’s the best burger they’ve had in Swindon but that it’s unlucky that the McDonald’s below us is serving cheaper ones.

“If people came here and tried the food, they’d keep coming back. We have a lot of regulars on Fridays and Saturdays ordering their favourites every time.

“People from the nearby salons like ordering loaded fries, and The Forum team refer customers to us. It’s nice that local businesses are supporting us.

“We come from a hotel and restaurant background and want to bring that experience to our own place.”

In the long term, Mr Rana hopes to keep trading at this stall and open a second site that would have enough space for a full restaurant and café area with a bigger menu.

Finding a suitable location to set up this expansion has been tricky because the rents for some spaces proved to be too expensive while deals for other potential places fell through unexpectedly.

Both brothers split their weeks between working here and working at another café.

He added: “Our most popular menu option is the fish and chips though my favourites are the beef burgers, especially the Pastrami Burger and the Triple Truffle burger.

“I recently added the Burnt Butter Mayo burger after trying a similar one in London that was very popular.

“Support a local business, try our food, it’s reasonably priced and we make everything as fresh as we can.”