An award-winning Indian restaurant in Newark has used the time during coronavirus lockdown to refurbish its dining room and create a new alfresco garden area for customers.

Entrepreneur and local business owner of the Ashiana Indian Restaurant, Saiqul Miah said: “We were devastated when we had to close both the restaurant at North Muskham and the takeaway at Long Bennington because of the lockdown but, in many ways, there was a silver lining to it.

“As we were unable to reopen the restaurant until 4th July, while we were closed we took the opportunity to fully refurbish the restaurant with new carpets, blinds, furniture, wallpaper and paint.

“Plus, we also created a new alfresco dining area outside for our customers to relax in and enjoy drinks and freshly-cooked Indian meals.”

This garden oasis leads off the main restaurant through new French windows and is complete with mood lighting, heating, comfy seating and separate covered and open air dining areas for easy social distancing.

Sai continues: “The Ashiana Indian Restaurant has been part of the fabric of the North Muskham community for over 10 years, so when we decided to start work on the garden and the dining room, it was very important to us that we used as many local contractors as possible.

“Our landscape gardeners, Ian and Anna Truman, are from North Muskham and had been regular customers of ours for several years. Our builder, Jamie Warrington, came from nearby Collingham and the joiner, Chris Cobb, came from Newark, plus we also used local electricians, window fitters, carpet fitters, decorators and curtain and blind makers.”

To liven up the outdoor dining area even more, Sai also commissioned bespoke wall art for the garden from acclaimed local graffiti artist, James Mayle, of ImageSkool.

Sai added: “When we started the work, it was very nerve-wracking as we didn’t know when we were going to be able to reopen the restaurant again.

“But, with the hard work of our local contractors, our staff, plus help from some of our loyal customers, we all pulled together to create the most amazing alfresco dining area, plus an even more luxurious restaurant for people to relax in and enjoy both drinks and food with their friends.

“I’m so proud of what we have all achieved at the Ashiana and it makes me so happy to see customers enjoying themselves here.

“Plus, everyone who helped us out with the work feels like they are now part of the Ashiana family. We look forward to welcoming all our customers as we participate in the ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme in August.”

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