A COUPLE are excited to reveal the grand opening date for their new restaurant in Malmesbury.

Husband and wife duo Kalya and Devika James took over lease at the former La Campagna Italian restaurant in Oxford Street, Malmesbury at the end of last month.

Residents on the Our Malmesbury Facebook page helped them choose a name for the new restaurant and Roost Malmesbury was declared the winner.

The couple moved to Malmesbury over four years ago to move nearer Kalya’s sister Clinta Hull and have been running the Jackdaws Coffee House in Market Lane ever since.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Kalya and Devika James outside the Jackdaws Coffee HouseKalya and Devika James outside the Jackdaws Coffee House (Image: Kalya James)

When the former Italian across the road became available, they leapt at the opportunity.

The family are well-known in Malmesbury for their Sri Lankan recipes but Kalya says  their new restaurant will serve a mixture of worldwide food, focusing on East meets West fusion dishes.

The restaurant has around 80 covers and has homely décor which the family want to retain.

Kalya said they have added some decorations but want to keep the interior and the character of the building the same.

There will be a team of 14 working at the new restaurant including new front of house manager Michael Cleaver.

Roost Malmesbury opened to the public on Friday, June 23 but a grand opening is planned for Friday, July 14.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Kalya James and his sister Clinta Hull next to the bar at the new restaurant Kalya James and his sister Clinta Hull next to the bar at the new restaurant (Image: Clinta Hull)

Town mayor Gavin Grant will be doing a ribbon cutting which will be shortly followed by a celebration with close family and friends.

Gavin is a huge fan of the family’s cooking and recently hosted a Sri Lankan feast for his first charity event as mayor with Kalya last weekend.

He said: “Having enjoyed a sumptuous Sri Lankan feast at my mayoral charity fundraising evening, I am really looking forward to Friday, July 14 when Malmesbury’s latest restaurant, The Roost officially opens.

“Their East meets West amazing Sri Lankan dishes will join the popular Italian and Mediterranean menu.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Clinta Hull enjoying a drink at the new restaurant Clinta Hull enjoying a drink at the new restaurant (Image: Clinta Hull)

“The opening of Roost signals the start of Malmesbury’s first Source food and drink weekend.

“This will feature a makers and producers market in the town between 9.30am and 3pm on Saturday, July 15.”

Kalya said: “We wanted to involve the community in the name of the restaurant because we want this to be a place where everyone feels welcome.

“Roost is the perfect name because it will be a place where resident can congregate and roost together.

“Malmesbury is a very nice town with lovely people and a great community and we want to represent that in our restaurant.

“Over the last few weeks we have been gathering what the residents needs are and what experience they expect, before our grand opening next week with the mayor and close customers.

“Our restaurant will offer a range of East meets West fusion dishes which will suit everyone’s taste buds.

“We want there to be no age limit and have food for everyone.

“We want to be the best restaurant in Malmesbury.

“We are grateful that this restaurant become available so we could have more space to explore our passion and ambition for our business.”