A new Indian restaurant has recently opened in East Lancashire with unique dishes and experimental mocktails on the menu.
No. 81 on Burnley Road, Padiham, only opened last week but has already been impressing customers with its mouth-watering dishes.
Owner Mohammed Shabir described the restaurant as “family-friendly, great value for money and with a great focus on healthy food.”
He said: “We are relatively cheap because with price increase at the moment we just wanted to give back to the community, really.
“We also offer 2 for 1 on starters and main courses so it does work out really cheap for the customer.”
Mohammed, who been in the industry for around 12 years, working in Indian restaurants around Padiham, said: “I have a true passion for this industry. It’s the only thing I’ve done for the last 10-12 years.
“My first job was at an Indian restaurant and I have just carried it on. I am enthusiastic and hands on.
“I run front of house but I can cook as well.”
Using his knowledge, he has crafted a menu filled with classic Indian dishes as well as some you might not find at other restaurants.
Their unique Royal Bengal Mustard is served in a creamy mustard infused sauce while their Amil dish consists of chicken and mango smothered in a sweet chilli sauce, served with chilli and orange rice.
The restaurant doesn’t serve alcohol but Mohammed has urged customers not to judge them based on this factor.
He said: “Come down and give us a try. We’re not serving alcohol but don’t knock us until you try us.
“We’ve had a brilliant response on Facebook so far and several tables say they will be back again.”
The restaurant also serve experimental mocktails using their special smoke gun.
He said: “Because we don’t sell any alcohol we do sell quirky mocktails. We have a smoke gun which infuses the drink with different flavours.
“In the future we are hoping to get LED mask for mocktail barman.
“We are still working on the menu but classics such as virgin mojito and strawberry daiquiris can currently be purchased.”
Mohammed said he is also working on a vegan menu which will be released later this year.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here