Ketan Mandania and his business partner, previously restaurateurs, seized the opportunity to buy and transform a traditional British pub into what is now Blue Ginger Bar & Restaurant, a pioneer in pub conversions in London. Established 21 years ago, their restaurant offers a unique menu and caters to the local Indian community by filling a gap for high-quality dining.
Speaking to Asian Voice, Ketan spoke about challenges faced in the UK restaurant industry as an Indian restaurant, celebrating South Asian heritage in their restaurant and much more.
What challenges have you faced in the UK restaurant industry, particularly as an Indian restaurant, and how have you overcome them?
When we first started 21 years ago, it was a challenging journey. We acquired the venue with limited funds, and managing finances, rules, and regulations was tough. Over time, we've navigated numerous hurdles, including rigorous health and safety inspections. We consistently achieve a five-star rating from our Environmental Health Officer, reflecting our commitment to high standards.
The challenges intensified with Covid-19, which increased costs, including utilities. Despite this, we were unable to raise prices due to economic constraints, creating a difficult cycle. The pandemic caused many local restaurants to close, but we managed to weather the storm with the support of our fellow directors and some financial reserves.
In the early days, every aspect was demanding, but we persevered. Today, we continue to meet challenges head-on and strive to provide the best possible experience for our customers while maintaining our standards.
In what ways do you celebrate and incorporate South Asian heritage into your restaurant’s experience and offerings?
We take pride in celebrating a range of cultural events at our restaurant. Our calendar includes Diwali, Raksha Bandhan, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Independence Day, and major cricket matches. For each occasion, we decorate the restaurant and create themed experiences that resonate with our diverse clientele.
Diwali is a particular highlight for us. We transform the restaurant with festive decorations, offer special dishes, and provide complimentary sweets to every customer. We also celebrate Christmas and other significant events, striving to honour all religions and cultures. These celebrations are a key part of our identity and have become integral to our restaurant's atmosphere and community connection.
How has your restaurant adapted its offerings and hours to cater to the diverse dietary needs and changing dining preferences of its clientele?
To cater to our diverse clientele, including a significant number of Gujarati and Jain guests, we maintain separate vegetarian and non-vegetarian sections, offer a zero-spice menu, and provide options with no onions or garlic. Our versatility and family-oriented approach make Blue Ginger a unique dining destination.
Our approach has proven successful, addressing specific needs within the community. For instance, we cater to the Vaishnav community by offering dishes without onion and garlic and accommodate the Jain community with specialised options. This commitment fills a significant gap, as many restaurants don’t cater to these dietary requirements, which can be frustrating for those affected.
Interestingly, we've observed a growing demand for vegan options, with an increasing number of non-Indian customers seeking plant-based meals. To meet this trend, we've introduced a range of vegan dishes. Post-Covid, we've also adjusted our hours to better fit new eating habits. Now, we’re open continuously from noon to accommodate guests who prefer earlier dining and shorter visits. This flexibility has been well-received and aligns with evolving customer preferences.
Are there specific ways you think that Indian restaurants could enhance the visibility and appreciation of Indian culinary traditions?
Promoting cultural events and specials can be challenging, especially when it's hard to predict their popularity. While it is fortunate to have the capacity to create and promote new dishes for occasions like South Asian Heritage Month, balancing this with the risk of potential loss due to lower footfall is tricky. Using platforms like Facebook and Twitter to reach the audience and enhance cultural visibility, but the effort often feels fragmented as it's done on a restaurant-by-restaurant basis. Greater awareness and support for these celebrations on a broader scale would significantly benefit the community and help amplify our cultural contributions.
The dining landscape is evolving, with an increasing number of white-collar workers opting to eat out for convenience and cost-effectiveness. Diverse communities are discovering and appreciating the versatility and flavour of Indian cuisine, leading to the rise of new Indian restaurants. To stand out, creating a welcoming and enjoyable dining environment is crucial, as customers are increasingly willing to spend more for a memorable experience.
