A NEW Indian restaurant specialising in vegetarian and vegan food is preparing to open its doors next door to the Kursaal on Southend seafront.
Namaste Village, a family-run Indian restaurant which already boasts three successful sister sites, is replacing steak restaurant 300 Degrees in a prime spot on the seafront.
The restaurant is in the old Minerva pub site, which was later Bourgee restaurant.
After weeks of renovations and internal works, the restaurant - which bosses believe offers something totally unique in Southend - will open to customers on November 3.
Branch manager Ronish Sutariya said: “We are very excited to be opening a restaurant in Southend and the refurbishment is going very well.
“We are a vegetarian and vegan restaurant that serves south Indian dosa - a thin savoury crepe - and none of the dishes on the menu are mixed with meat.
“There are no other dosa restaurants in Southend, and that is the reason we chose this area.”
The first Namaste Village restaurant opened in 2010 in Norwich followed by premises in London, Cambridge, and Southend will be the fourth.
The restaurant team includes Ronish, head chef Savani, bar manager Nikung Goti and kitchen manager Selvin Dhola, who are all in their early twenties.
The directors of the business are Ash Savaliya and Jitendra Timbadiya.
“I am from Gujarat a place where people say business is in our blood. We are a young team, but we are dedicated to working hard and eager to open the restaurant and serve our customers,” said Ronish.
The site has a long history, originally as popular pub the Minerva. The building was empty for years after closure before it was taken over by businessmen in 2014 and replaced with the Bourgee restaurant.
However, the plush Bourgee restaurant was shut in 2018 “following a protracted dispute and lengthy discussions between all parties”.
At Namaste Village, the team hold dear the principle of “Seva” from Indian tradition - which signifies the selfless act of service.
“We are hard workers and want to provide the best service for our customers,” said Ronish.
“People will find all their favourite Indian dishes such as Masala Dosa, ‘Lamb’ Rogan Josh, Paneer Angara and more.
“The vegan meat is expertly cooked and we are told you cannot tell the difference from real meat.”
For more details, visit www.namastevillage.co.uk.
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