Q - Given the scare of the new Covid variants, how are your plans for Christmas looking like? What changes are you looking to make?
With the festive spirit on in full swing and people wanting to step out to spend quality time with their loved ones, we're taking all govt mandated safety precautions to make sure customers can enjoy this celebratory time at our restaurant. Customers have been looking to spend their Christmas dining with brands they trust and that have a strong legacy; given our 49 years in the Indian food business, we have seen a very strong response with bookings and customers looking to dine out with us during Christmas season this year.
Q - What's your sentiment in the ongoing scare for the hospitality industry that has been hit hardest during the pandemic? What kind of help does it need from the government?
It's been a turbulent couple of years for the industry through the pandemic, but we see a ray of light with business slowly having picked up over the last few months. While the safety of patrons comes first, we are hoping that there are no severe restrictions laid down which directly impact the hospitality industry, in the near future. Cost structures have changed due to rising inflation, and we do believe that the government holding back any further VAT increases would greatly assist the industry as a whole to tide through the coming year.
Q - What is it like designing a Christmas menu for Asians? While it's primarily a western festival, how do you think Asians have adapted to the food choices?
Despite being a western festival, it would be safe to say Christmas is one of the most loved festivals globally given the spirit and positivity it signifies for families and friends.
At Copper Chimney, our thought was to make sure we celebrate the spirit of Christmas. Our clientele is not just local Londoners but a mix of nationalities from across the world. We have designed some exciting Group Festive menus with a curated selection of our signature dishes. We don’t think there is any better way to warm up a cold winter night than with some delicious Indian flavours!
Q - What role do Indian spices play in global festival food?
India being a land of spices has a rich culinary history which is evident through the depth of Indian cuisine. The range of diverse spices when used appropriately can lend a wonderful flavour dimension to any global dish, elevating it to a whole new level. Popular Indian spices like saffron, cinnamon, turmeric and even Indian red chillies are now being increasingly used across the globe to add more depth and richness to dishes. You can experience many of these ingredients at Copper Chimney, as we do specially source these from select farms and suppliers, to ensure you get the same authentic taste and flavours that you would find in India today.
Q - What do most Asians in the UK prefer to eat out of your lineup of dishes? How challenging is it to arrange spices and authentically cook dishes while there's staff and resource shortage?
The highest selling dishes are surely our Kebab Grills, Hand Made Tandoor Breads, and Biryani closely followed by the ever-loved freshly cooked Curries and Black Dal Maharaja. If you haven’t already, we highly recommend you come down to try our lamb chops. At Copper Chimney, our secret spice blends and recipes have been passed on over 3 generations of the founding family, and ensure we have retained the same consistency of flavour over the past 49 years. For us, our people come first, and we have a great team of people who have supported the business over the years and helped grow the brand from strength to strength despite the various challenges that the restaurant industry may face.
