IT should be the crown jewel in the range of Riverside restaurants.

But the largest diner in The Oracle’s outdoors dining quarters has remained empty for more than a year now.

Greek restaurant Lemoni has not opened its doors to the public since England entered its third national lockdown in January 2021.

And with its ground floor windows all covered up and its insides seemingly gutted, it appears the eatery will not be reopening anytime soon (there is no indication online that bosses will be bringing the place back to life in the future).

Conventional wisdom has it that this site should be a successful spot in The Oracle.

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But Lemoni’s demise follows Casa Bacardi’s fleeting 'pop-up' occupation of this spot, which came after the closure of Jamie’s Italian at the very same location.

The celebrity-chef endorsed restaurant shut down in August 2018 having opened in 2009, taking over from US chain Chili’s.

So with yet another change of hands seemingly on the way, what offering do Reading’s foodies want to see from this spot?

 

Lemoni in Reading

Lemoni in Reading

 

We asked our readers and this is what they had to say.

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Paul Raja said the property was ‘cursed’ and ‘nobody lasts there’, but others had a few ideas for a restaurant that could work.

Chris Gastone said: “Something Indian since we don't have many in Reading.”

Michael Wright suggested a Cheesecake Factory, which appeared popular with fellow readers.

Marc Brodie proposed a Turtle Bay Caribbean bar and restaurant.

Tracey Thornhill responded with an idea for a seafood eatery such as Red Lobster.

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There were also some tongue-in-cheek responses to the Chronicle’s question.

Stephen Leach said: “Reading could really do with an expensive burger restaurant.”

Sarah Mundy added: “Maybe another coffeeshop.”

Simon Wise even suggested an ‘all-you-can-eat Greggs’.

Others put forward alternate ideas, including bringing Chili’s back, opening up a vintage clothing store, and creating a rollerblading hub.