A new restaurant offering “mouthwatering and authentic” dishes has officially opened in Swindon town centre.

The Biryani Lounge, which is a Reading-based business, opened at the former Stax and Snax takeaway in Regent Street on Friday, October 4.

The unit had been empty since the eatery closed in January, just a few months after opening its doors.

But now the venue has been renovated and is serving customers up to 25 types of Biryanis.

Bhanu Pathakamuri, who co-owns the business with Sai Pacha, Sravan Sangala, and Lovely Singha, says the Biryani Lounge is the first in the UK to offer this kind of variety.

The team decided to bring their business to Swindon after the growth of the Reading branch.

The Biryani LoungeThe Biryani Lounge (Image: The Biryani Lounge) Mr Pathakamuri added: “We started our first branch in Reading and it was successful, then we opened a fine dining restaurant and we’ve chosen to open our third branch in Swindon.

“Our research showed there was a gap in the market in Swindon, so we want to bring authentic Hyderabadi Dum Biryanis.

“Our food is fully authentic Indian style food, the difference between us and others is the level of authenticity in the food and the quality and consistency.”

The restaurant describes itself as a “unique sensory experience.” 

As well as Biryanis, the restaurant and takeaway will offer starters, curries, tandoori items, and a “unique” variety of desserts.

The Biryani Lounge can also provide catering for special occasions.

The Biryani LoungeThe Biryani Lounge (Image: The Biryani Lounge) Mr Pathakamuri says the restaurant is already proving popular amongst locals.

He added: “The first night went very well, even better than we expected, and we didn’t even advertise that much.

“We got loads of people in the door and it was really busy, we are expecting to get even busier in the future.

“We’re so excited and we’re looking forward to working in Swindon.”

The Biyriani Lounge will be looking to expand its menu further in the next few weeks, including a South Indian breakfast buffet on weekends, and also has a cocktail bar.

In June, Kilpatrick & Co said it was pleased to see a new food venue opening in the town centre after securing the letting of the property.

Alex Hill, of Kilpatrick & Co., said: “We are pleased to complete this letting and provide a new food outlet for the public to experience and get another vacant shop in the town centre reoccupied.”