Empty Spalding pub to be taken over by Oakham-based Indian restaurant and wine bar
An empty pub is set to be transformed into an Indian restaurant.
The doors of the Lincolnshire Poacher in Spalding have been shut since late last year, but that will change next month as a popular curry house expands its business.
The Jashir Indian Restaurant and Wine Bar, in Oakham, will be taking over the Double Street pub to open a second venue.
“It’s expanding the brand,” said business owner and head chef Nilesh Patel, who has a decade’s experience in the kitchens.
“We go around a lot and try a lot of restaurants and we could see an opportunity here to get Indian food over here.”
Work is currently going on to makeover the former town centre pub, which hopes to be open for business in mid-May and already has bookings in place for the summer.
“Myself as head chef and owner, I keep my eye on everything all day, 24 hours a day,” added Mr Patel.
“Everything passes through me, so I make sure the food has that quality taste.
“It a family-run business and this is my future, so it’s in my interest to make it a good restaurant.
“If you see the Oakham branch, we work two weeks in advance for the bookings on a Friday and Saturday.”
Despite taking on a new restaurant, Mr Patel said both venues can expect the same levels of care and attention the current Oakham site receives.
“It will be the same quality of food for both places,” he said.
“We have a good number, 10 chefs, who are well trained under me.
“We will provide the same quality and same taste.”
Question marks have hung over the future of the Poacher since December when the venue stopped trading.
Pub owner Cameron Bean said he planned to re-open in the new year, but the doors remained closed.
But now the building has been given a new lease of life, and Mr Patel is currently on the hunt for staff - including front of house, waiters and waitresses, bar staff and porters - as well as local sports teams to sponsor.
Further details about both opportunities are available by contacting bookings@jashir.co.uk.
Further information about the opening date will be confirmed on the Jashir Indian Restaurant - Spalding Facebook page.
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