Alina’s Fish and Wingies opens new store in Swindon

Alina’s Fish and Wingies opened at The Crossing in the Brunel Shopping Centre on January 17 in place of burger shop Mooba.

The previous store opened in August 2023 and was run by chefs Maximilian Ilau and Bikaschandra Rana, fast becoming a favourite food spot for residents.

Now less than half a year later, the pair have gone their separate ways with Bikaschandra remaining to open the new business in the same location.

The new shop is located at The Crossing in the Brunel Shopping Centre. (Image: Newsquest)

Speaking to the Adver, the chef explained the reasons for the amicable split and what the thought process behind Alina’s Fish and Wingies was.

“We changed because Max is in Cheltenham so it was too long of a distance so we decided to separate and do our own companies,” said Bikaschandra.

“The idea behind the new business was to offer the people of Swindon a new variety of food with different burgers.

“One of our most popular is the burger as we get our meat locally from butchers in Cirencester while the house special wings are flying.

“Whenever I open the shop window people come for the wings.

Mooba closed on January 6 and despite Max leaving the premises in The Crossing, Bikaschandra is not working alone in his new venture.

“My new partner Moniraj Rana was working as a head chef at the Frankie & Benny’s restaurant in Greenbridge Retail Park before it closed,” he said.

“We had worked together before so it was an obvious choice to work together.”

The first few weeks in operation have been good for Alina’s Fish and Wingies according to the chef with loyal customers coming back despite the change.

Alina's Fish and Wingies has arrived in Swindon. (Image: Newsquest)

“Starting a business is always difficult but our regulars have come back and embraced the new business,” said Bikaschandra.

“January and February are often quiet times but I felt it was going very steady for me which was great.”

With several new items on the menu, Bikaschandra offered his thoughts on what meals customers should pick when ordering their food.

“I would recommend people try our burgers but the fish and chips are brilliant too as the batter we use is very good and crispy when you take a bite,” he said.

“We are trying to open a new restaurant in Devizes where we can serve the same type of burgers but in a coffee shop location.”