Eatery beats both Covid and burglars to serve up success
FEW industries have been harder hit by the Covid pandemic than hospitality, with many restaurants, bars and cafes being forced to close their doors for good.
But, despite the pandemic having a stranglehold on small businesses across the UK, there are some that have had success – which is true of Tahina in Rawtenstall, despite obstacles being thrown in its path.
Tahina may have only been open a year, but its growth has been tremendous – and even a burglary hasn’t stopped owner Nadia Wood from making a huge success of the eatery.
The former primary school teacher’s passion for Mediterranean food saw her live in Barcelona for eight years; and it was there that she got further acquainted with the taste of the exotic.
Nadia said she is determined not to be beaten by the pandemic.
“It’s a happy hub, that’s how I see it. Especially in these dark times, it’s become a sanctuary for local people.
“The whole thing has been a journey, for me and my fiance Adam. We have done every meticulous detail together, designing it, agonising over every inch of floorboard and flavour, and doing the entire construction.
“The years before, living in that beautiful city and spending every moment, hunting flavours and planning Tahina, has made it what it is today. How it’s come together, it’s out of this world,” Nadia said.
Before the lockdown, Tahina used a disused cabin outside to play music so people could eat, drink, and dance away, with the restaurant’s own waitress performing on guitar, a task which she’s “exceptional” at.
But not everything has been rosy.
In the short space of time since they have been open, they’ve overcome a pandemic and a terrifying incident which saw their restaurant ransacked overnight last month.
Nadia added: “We have managed to get through this during the worst period, and that only makes me think of how things will be when everything is ‘normal’ again.
“Some of the love we have been granted by our customers on social media during some of our toughest times have only made us stronger. As soon as the burglary occurred, we were given such warmth by the community – and we are back now serving takeaways.
“Community is so important. You must try being positive and surrounding yourself with like-minded people. You do this, and loads of interesting things happen.”