RESTAURANTS LOOKING FORWARD TO REOPENING
local support. But it is the diningin experience and the custom of out-of-towners he said the business is missing.
“What makes Belgrave Road so special is its family ties and its history,” he said.
“It’s been people’s homes since they migrated from Africa or India and a lot of people, even if they’ve moved away, still have their roots here.
“Family businesses here create that bond. When customers come in, it’s always ‘How’s your mum? How’s your auntie?.’
“It’s that sense of community that gives the road an authenticity that’s unlike anywhere else.”
Though he looks forward to reopening, he said he is keeping an open mind, knowing things could still change.
Praful Visram who runs 4 Seasons Chaat House, took over the restaurant six years ago and has seen business drop significantly in the past 12 months.
“It’s been stressful but you have to keep going,” the 69-year-old said.
“When the shops were open, everything was different because we would get customers from London, Nottingham, Birmingham and more. “When people pick up a takeaway it’s quick, there’s no stopping to chat. There are lots of precautions in place.
“But when people can come to sit, we can have a conversation with our customers.”
For Dharmesh Lakhani, owner of Bobby’s – which has a 45-yearhistory in Leicester – what has become evident is people’s appreciation for spending quality time together.
A sit-down experience with friends or family makes a difference for those eating and the business, he explained.
“When people order a takeaway they decide on a main each and maybe one side, but when they come in for a meal, they choose a few starters for the table and share their mains and they might even stay for dessert while they sit back and chat,” Dharmesh said.
He said he is looking forward to seeing his restaurant busy again.
“We are really looking forward to opening again but sadly we won’t have all the same colleagues.
“It’s been the hardest year yet for a lot of us, but we’re looking forward to reopening.”
According to the government’s roadmap out of lockdown, restaurants will be allowed to serve customers sitting outdoors from April 12 and will be able to seat customers indoors from May 17.
It’s that sense of community that gives the road an authenticity that’s unlike anywhere else
Sanjay Chudasama