One of Leicester’s most loved independent restaurants, Bobby’s, is celebrating a remarkable milestone this weekend – 50 years of serving vegetarian Indian food on Belgrave Road.
Founded on St. Valentine’s Day in 1976 by Dharmesh Lakhani’s parents, Bobby’s was born out of resilience, family spirit and a belief in doing things properly. The restaurant takes its name from the iconic 1973 Bollywood film Bobby, whose story of comeback and hope resonated deeply with the Lakhani family at a challenging time in their lives.
Picture credit: Pukaar News
Having arrived in the UK from Uganda in the early 1970s, Dharmesh’s parents Bhagwanjibhai and Manglaben, faced the loss of much of their wealth as they rebuilt their lives in Leicester. Inspired by the filmmakers behind Bobby – who themselves had suffered financial failure before finding success again – they decided to take a leap of faith and open a restaurant, despite having no background in the food trade.
“My dad had never eaten in a restaurant before,” Dharmesh recalls. “He was a pure vegetarian, didn’t drink or smoke. But he was an entrepreneur, and he said, ‘Let’s open a restaurant.’ My mum laughed – and then she became the cook.”
From the very beginning, Bobby’s was a true family effort. Dharmesh’s mother created the recipes that are still used today, grinding spices by hand and insisting on quality and consistency. His father ran the business, supported by their children, who all played a part as the restaurant grew.
Over five decades, Bobby’s has expanded from a single unit into a Belgrave Road institution, known for its homely atmosphere, honest food and loyal customer base. Some menu items, including the much-loved samosas, have remained unchanged for 50 years.
“To us, it’s simple,” says Dharmesh. “If you do something, do it right, or don’t bother doing it at all.”
Picture: Dharmesh Lakhani. Credit: Pukaar News
To mark the golden anniversary, Bobby’s is hosting a series of celebrations. On Saturday (February 14) the restaurant will close to the public for the day while the family holds a prayer in memory of Dharmesh’s parents and to give thanks for the business’s journey. A lunchtime reception will welcome the Lord Lieutenant, the city mayor, representatives from the Indian High Commission and other local dignitaries, before an evening celebration with friends, family and staff.
The festivities extend beyond Saturday. On Friday, Bobby’s will turn back the clock by offering selected dishes at their original 1976 prices, including a traditional thali for just £1. The restaurant is also engaging with the community through school visits, street-food workshops and plans for a new mural celebrating both Bobby’s history and Leicester Tigers, who once played nearby when they were first formed in the 1880s.
Now run by Dharmesh and his wife, the restaurant employs more than 20 staff and continues to thrive at a time when many high-street businesses are struggling.
“Being here after 50 years as an independent family business is our greatest achievement,” says Dharmesh. “We wouldn’t be here without our customers, our staff and our family. This celebration is really about saying thank you.”
For updates about the celebration, visit: https://www.instagram.com/eatatbobbys/
