A  sushi takeaway chain will be opening two new sites in Berkshire very soon.

The Kokoro sushi and bento takeaway chain is due to be opening in Newbury at some point next week.

Staff appeared to be undertaking internal works to the takeaway when the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) passed there last weekend (Saturday, October 30).

Kokoro, which has 44 locations across the UK, is known for its  sushi and bento dishes, which are single-portion take-out or home-packed meals. It also serves katsu curry, yakisoba, teriyaki and soup dishes.

READ MORE: Newbury Real Ale Festival under threat after antisocial behaviour complaint

Although it will primarily function as a takeaway, planning documents show six high shelf seats for customers on the ground floor, and four four-seater tables and one two-seater table in the basement area.

Reading Chronicle: The approved floor plans for the Kokoro that is due to open in Newbury next week. Credit: Unknown Design LtdThe approved floor plans for the Kokoro that is due to open in Newbury next week. Credit: Unknown Design Ltd

It is understood two customer toilets will also be provided in the basement area.

The shop Kokoro is taking over used to be the home of the only Ginsters pasty shop in the UK.

Reading Chronicle: Kokoro will be taking over from the short-lived Ginsters pasty shop in Newbury, which only lasted six months. Credit: Unknown Design LtdKokoro will be taking over from the short-lived Ginsters pasty shop in Newbury, which only lasted six months. Credit: Unknown Design Ltd

But Ginsters closed there after just six months in operation in April 2019.

You can view designs for the Kokoro in Newbury by typing reference 21/01222/FUL into West Berkshire Council’s planning portal here: https://publicaccess.westberks.gov.uk/online-applications/search.do?action=simple&searchType=Application

The new sushi takeaway is located directly opposite the Arigato restaurant, which serves similar Japanese cuisine.

Kokoro also has locations in Reading, Maidenhead, and Windsor.

READ MORE: Home Bargains opens store in Newbury Retail Park

The Kokoro in Bracknell was due to open yesterday (November 1) but failed to do so.

A member of the Kokoro team said the takeaway was ‘scheduled to open’ at The Lexicon shopping centre in Bracknell on November 1 in a statement provided in September.

A staff member the LDRS spoke to today said the Bracknell location will be opening later this month.

The LDRS has sought an official statement from Kokoro on the two new openings.