An Indian street food café and bistro has officially opened in Great Harwood and it looks fantastic.

Akela Street Food opened at the former Finch Bakery site in Queen Street, Great Harwood, at the weekend.

The restaurant officially opened on Friday, April 7, and the owner, who wishes to remain anonymous, said the first weekend was a success.

The 33-year-old said: “We were really busy and our first weekend a success - what a journey it has been.

Lancashire Telegraph: Banoffee cake from Akela Street Food in Great HarwoodBanoffee cake from Akela Street Food in Great Harwood (Image: Akela Street Food)

“This place has been a labour of love, sweat, actual blood (sharp tools in use) and tears.

“Thank you to my friends for [helping] me last minute.”

Lancashire Telegraph: Akela Street Food in Great HarwoodAkela Street Food in Great Harwood (Image: Akela Street Food)

The eatery serves small Indian dishes such as gunpowder chicken, roti, masala wraps and more.

It’s also the place to go if you just want a cake and coffee, with spiced custard tart and banoffee cake just some sweet treats on the menu.

Positive reviews are already flooding in for Akela Street Food.

One person said: The food was delicious and there was such a welcoming atmosphere.

“We will definitely be back.”

Another said: “The food was fab, we will be back.”

Lancashire Telegraph: Inside Akela Street Food in Great HarwoodInside Akela Street Food in Great Harwood (Image: Akela Street Food)

A third reviewer said: “Delicious food presented beautifully! The sweet treats are to die for.

“Highly recommended, thank you.”

The owner, who is from Great Harwood, said she will be cooking dishes from her childhood

She said: “Growing up my dad used to cook authentic Indian street food.

“I went to Mowgli restaurant in Manchester, which serves Indian street food, and my son and I absolutely loved it and thought it was a great idea.

“That’s when I decided to get my old cook books out from my childhood and started cooking again. That’s when Akela was born.

Lancashire Telegraph: Inside Akela Street Food in Great HarwoodInside Akela Street Food in Great Harwood (Image: Akela Street Food)

“You don’t see many street food places around the town. This is a place where you can dine in and enjoy a full on street food experience.”

Akela Street Food has been nominated for a Hyndburn Business Award and you can nominate the eatery, or any others in the category until April 13

Akela Street Food opening hours:

  • Thursdays: 11am-2pm and then 5pm-8pm.
  • Fridays: 11am - 2pm and then 5pm – 8pm.
  • Saturdays: 12pm – 8pm.