Restaurant that closed due to death in family is back in business again
A RESTAURANT that suddenly cancelled bookings is set to reopen this week.
Istanbul BBQ Kitchen, in Gotham Road, East Leake, warned it would be closed “until further notice” after an emergency in November, only a month after it welcomed its first customers.
Five months on, the family-owned Turkish restaurant and takeaway is set to return, serving charcoalgrilled dishes – with a new licensed bar.
A spokesperson said: “We closed back in November due to a sudden death in the family. All three chefs are related and had to fly abroad. We had to re-plan staffing.”
The news of reopening was posted on Facebook. The owners said: “The update everyone is waiting for is finally here… We will be opening on Wednesday 1st May. Good news! We are now fully licensed for alcohol. “We have built a bar in the restaurant area and will be serving alcohol. Thank you for being patient and understanding during this time. We’re very much looking forward to catering for East Leake again.” The restaurant can seat up to 24 and there are plans for an outdoor dining area. Takeaway is also available. One customer posted: “Welcome back ‘again’ to the village.” Another commented: “Welcome back, I had a takeaway from you just before you closed and it was fantastic.”
Starters and mezze such as hummus, signara borek (fried pastry filled with cheese) and calamari are served along with lamb and chicken kebabs cooked over hot coals, mixed grills and halloumi and falafel dishes.
Istanbul BBQ Kitchen’s opening hours are Tuesday to Sunday, from 3.30pm to 10pm.