A BANGLADESHI-born restaurateur is bringing a touch of the space-age to his latest Belfast business venture in a bid to spice up a hospitality recovery.
Luthfur Ahmed, already well-known for foodie favourite Bengal Brasserie on the Ormeau Road, plans to open a new eatery 7Spice at St Anne's Square on October 14.
And a feature of the restaurant - a £500,000 investment which is creating 25 jobs - are five purpose-build self-contained pods at the side of 7Spice, capable of accommodating up to 40 customers.
Former chef turned restaurant operator Mr Ahmed, who has been domiciled in Northern Ireland for more than 30 years, says 7Spice is the pinnacle of his ambition - and he wasn’t in the least bit daunted by the steep downturn because of coronavirus.
“I want to create something special that will stand out in Belfast, and 7Spice is it," he said.
“Covid-19 meant we had to think differently and quickly, and pods were the answer.
“We commissioned five pods, all of which had to be specially made by Ballinderry-based Robinson Fit-out.
“The perspex and timber pods are heated and lit and bring a whole new meaning to eating out. We fully comply with social distancing guidelines and health regulations both inside the restaurant, which can serve up to 30 people, and in the novel pods outside."
He added: “Dining out is dining in at 7Spice. Our head chef is foremost in his field and our menu will be exciting and varied. Another feature is that we intend to open our doors for lunches from 12 noon to 4pm."
Economy minister Diane Dodds, who visited 7Spice to see progress on the new Bangladeshi restaurant, said its opening is “a vote of confidence in the hospitality sector at just the right time”.
She said: “This investment, and the new jobs it has created, is a clear signal that the fightback is under way.
“Mr Ahmed is to be congratulated for the innovative and imaginative measures he has put in place to grow his business in these challenging times.”
