Reigate: Italian bar plan for former Benetton site

86 High Street, Reigate (snapped as snow was falling)

Italian wine bar Veeno is planning to open in Reigate, where clothing retailer Benetton used to be, at 86 High Street.

There are currently eight Veeno sites across the UK, “boasting quality wines and tempting Italian food”, according to the firm’s website.  The business was founded in 2013.

Menus typically include sharing platters of breads, meat and cheeses, as well as Italian tapas, pizza and pasta. Wines are from the Caruso & Minini vineyard in Sicily.

A licensing application has been filed for the new Reigate premises, which are located on the ground floor and will seat up to 60 patrons. 

Opening time is listed as 8am each day, with closing time at midnight on Thursdays, 1am on Fridays and Saturdays, and 11pm on all other days. 

Alcohol will be sold from noon.

The application closed for comments on 9 February and is now under consideration by Reigate & Banstead Borough Council.

Franchisee John Spriggs told reigate.uk that it’s not possible to be specific about planned opening dates at this stage, in view of the project milestones and the need to see when the current Covid-19 restrictions will be lifted.

Job adverts have been posted for a sous chef and assistant manager.

Currently the vacant unit is one of a number in Reigate displaying historic pictures of the town centre, as part of an initiative by Reigate Business Guild.