Enjoying the Xmas spirit with a ghost
CELEBRATING with the Christmas spirit has taken on a whole new meaning at an Indian restaurant in the heart of Coventry.
The owner of Turmeric Gold in historic Spon Street has created a unique aperitif in honour of ‘George,’ the venue’s friendly ghost.
Diners will be invited to toast George with a tipple that reflects the invisible guest’s nature - light of body, refreshing as a cool breeze but with a cheeky twist.
Shaken, of course.
“It’s a fun idea to start the evening, but we hope our customers will take a sip and say ‘By George! That’s good,’’ jokes Jay Alam, owner and executive chef.
George has made his presence felt at the building, which dates back to the 13th century, many times since Jay founded his upmarket restaurant 17 years ago.
“There is a corner upstairs where there used to be a bar and which is a cold spot no matter what the temperature elsewhere, so we think maybe George enjoyed a tipple,” says the 47-year-old restaurateur.
“On one occasion, we watched in astonishment when our reservations diary, which sat on a lectern, flicked open on a page which then stood up at 90 degrees before gently falling back in place.
“There was no draught that could have caused it.
“Another time, a new member of staff was cleaning in the toilets when he was convinced someone had brushed past him. I had to tell him it was probably George checking he was doing a thorough job.”
The spirit of George has a mischievous side however.
Previous owners of the restaurant recalled a tin of tomatoes whizzing off a shelf and more alarmingly a ten-pound cheese flying across the kitchen.
Jay is heartened by the presence of George and is not in the least spooked. He may not believe in the comic-book image of ghosts draped in white robes floating above the ground but he accepts there are spirits present and some people are more tuned into them than others.
“We have had customers at the restaurant who are psychics or mediums. Two ladies, who hadn’t heard of George, told me immediately there was a spirit here, but not to be concerned, it was friendly.” No-one has a clear idea of who George is, or rather was. One theory has it that there is also a Georgina who divides her time between the restaurant and its neighbours.
The medieval sandstone and timber building has hosted many trades in its long lifetime.
It is thought to have once been a weavers’ workshop and may have connections with the famous Coventry ribbon weavers JJ Cash.
Later in its life it was a watchmakers’ workshop, and a bakery.
An Indian restaurant, exotically furnished in drapes of gold and ruby red, which sparkles like Aladdin’s cave and has a maharaja’s banquet section for those who like to like to lounge in luxury while dining, may seem an unlikely spot for a ghost.