THE UK’s “best” Indian restaurant has announced a shock closure after serving guests for five decades.
King Charles even crowned it one of his favourite curry houses – but the iconic eatery is saying farewell.
Brilliant Restaurant in Southall is closing on April 7[/caption]
The restaurant run by Dipna Anand (second left) has been praised by Gordon Ramsey (right)[/caption]
Even King Charles said the site served some of the ‘best’ Indian food he’s tried[/caption]
Brilliant Restaurant in will be making its last dish on April 7 and after being in the family for three generations.
The longstanding eatery in Southall, Middlesex, has been a staple of Western Road since its launch in 1975.
Owner and celebrity chef Dipna Anand said that despite the closure she is thrilled with the reputation the restaurant has developed.
She said: “It may be the end of an era for Brilliant Southall, but after 50 years, the Brilliant brand has gained an iconic status in Indian dining, and we have to ensure that it is constantly evolving to both reflect the preferences of diners, and the food I love to eat, so there’s something delicious for everyone.”
Brilliant reached its superstar status for serving up mouthwatering samosa chaat and masala chicken, gaining a loyal customer base and the attention of A-listers.
From cooking royalty to an actual monarch – the restaurant was voted a favourite by Gordon Ramsay in his Channel 4 series and even was one of King Charles‘ top choices.
His Majesty visited the Indian venue on two separate occasions – once with Camilla in 2008 to check out a range of dishes.
The royal tried the buttered naan, black dhaal, masala lamb, chicken tikka masala and gajar ka halwa and sung its praises.
With such accolades, it’s no wonder it was awarded UK’s best international kitchen last year by the prestigious Hospitality Awards UK.
Brilliant offers Indian classics with Kenyan influences, specialising in north Indian Punjab cuisine.
It’s racked up four star reviews on Google with diners showering the venue with compliments.
One happy customer wrote: “Food was Amazing and the staff and the owner were excellent we really enjoyed our time in your establishment.
“It was the Best food I have had in a long time.”
Another shared: “The food was simply outstanding! Every dish was prepared to perfection, bursting with flavour, and beautifully presented.
“Whether you’re a fan of hearty comfort food or more adventurous culinary delights, there’s something on the menu for everyone.”
A third diner joked: “Yeah yeah yeah. I know. This review is going to say ‘it’s Brilliant’. Inevitable. But the food and service WAS brilliant.
“Highly recommended. It is as good as it looks.”
Dipna, whose talents had her branded the “curry queen,” started working at Brilliant at age seven or eight and was learning from her dad Gulu Anand who was the head chef.
Gulu’s own father Bishen Dass Anand founded the brand in the 1950s and first served food in a restaurant, nightclub and hotel in Kenya.
At 18, Dipna was put on the payroll and she eventually took over from her family and launched her own bestselling cookbook Beyond Brilliant.
The chef legend also used to run her own restaurant inside the iconic Somerset House in The Strand.
Thankfully, for loyal customers who can’t bare to see the restaurant go, Dipna is planning on opening another site in Southall.
Brilliant Gastro, operating under the same brand, should satisfy the cravings the restaurant sparked and should be opening mid-April.
WHY ARE RESTAURANT CLOSING
The hospitality industry is facing mounting pressures, including soaring bills, rising costs, and squeezed budgets.
More closures could be on the horizon due to upcoming hikes in employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs) and the national minimum wage.
Many food and drink businesses have faced significant challenges recently, as the rising cost of living has led to a decline in dining out.
After struggling to recover from the impact of the pandemic, many establishments were then hit with soaring energy bills and mounting inflationary pressures.
This has forced several well-known chains to shut locations, with big brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny’s among those affected.
What is happening to the hospitality industry?
By Laura McGuire, consumer reporter
MANY Food and drink chains have been struggling in recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out.
Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation.
Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny’s closing branches.
Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs.
Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon.
Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans.
