IN FEBRUARY 2024, Good Old Days, a relatively new local restaurant offering Hong Kong Chinese cuisine, went viral on social media following a glowing review by Jay Rayner in the Observer. There is a copy of the review proudly displayed on the walls, and several months later locals are still flocking there.
Back home in Hong Kong owner Nicola was a social worker but, prompted by the changing political situation there, came to the UK in 2021 to secure a better future for her four children. After extensive research into schools and a good place to live, the family landed in Emmer Green.
As she settled into life in Reading, she observed that there were few Chinese restaurants, particularly ones serving Hong Kong cuisine. She had experience of the restaurant trade as her father had been a chef for over 30 years and, having seen the gap in the market, she started looking around for premises. Her father came over when the restaurant opened in August 2023 and, hopefully, her mother will join them when she retires later this year. Currently the restaurant operates mainly as a takeaway with a few tables, which are often fully booked. Nicola is applying to the council for a full restaurant licence [CHECK STATUS].
Life running the restaurant and making time for her family keeps Nicola busy but, if she has time, she is a keen maker of intricate crochet creatures, which she was excited to share with me. If you visit the restaurant, you may spot some of them on display. Apart from the Chinese New Year characters pictured, she also loves making Minions.
How long have you lived in RG4?
Nicola has lived in Reading since April 2021.
Where are your favourite places to eat, drink and shop in our area?
Being busy with the restaurant, Nicola has little time to go out. However, she relishes time spent with the family when they go out together, but this is mainly further afield.
How do you think we can be eco-friendlier here?
We can always do better, but Nicola compared the UK to Hong Kong where the concept hardly exists. Coming here she had to learn about recycling, and was very impressed by the way the recycling centre works, with separate bins or areas for different articles.
How would you strengthen our sense of community?
Nicola received a warm welcome from neighbours when she arrived and encourages us all to do the same by chatting to newcomers and extending invitations to local events.
If you could bring anything here, such as an event, experience or a shop, what would it be?
There are a couple of Chinese supermarkets, but Nicola would welcome somewhere that sells more Hong Kong style ingredients which are hard to find locally.
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