Weeks-old Station Road restaurant in Sudbury finds success during coronavirus lockdown with booming takeaway service

When chefs Aran Henderson and Liam Liskus took the bold decision to launch a new restaurant in Sudbury a few weeks ago, they were unsure how coronavirus would affect trade.

Even with the advent of a second national lockdown, they have been inundated with takeaway orders, and have seen their business – renamed as Station Road – receive positive comments on social media, as well as favourable reviews on Tripadvisor.

Aran said: “It’s only Monday, and already we have 40 people who have contacted us and ordered Sunday roasts, which we can deliver. It’s really busy.

“Our brunch boxes, for people who work locally, are popular and we also specialise in sharing boxes for £20. It’s food for four people and you have what food you like, for example American themed. People collect or we can deliver.”

The chefs worked together eight years ago but only recently decided to go into partnership and have big plans for the future, with new ventures planned. The want to be known as a “fun, social eatery”.

Despite their busy – and impossible to predict – start to business life, Aran admitted they were still missing the buzz of working in a normal restaurant.

He added: “We are lucky if we break even, but it’s all about survival and we are getting some really positive feedback, so we’re getting known for what we do.”

Station Road is the latest chapter in the history of the building, which sits on the corner of Hamilton Road and has been a both a restaurant and offices in the past.

Now redesigned as a cafe, wine and cocktail bar, it will reopen after lockdown.