Two sisters are determined to make their mark on ‘England’s Curry Capital’, after opening a stunning Indian restaurant in Leicester city centre.
Shweta and Shivani Joon celebrated the grand opening of their restaurant ‘Amrut’ last Friday (October 18) in the city’s Churchgate.
Picture credit: Amrut
It was attended by Shivani Raja, MP for Leicester East and Leicester’s Lord Mayor Councillor Bhupen Dave. who cut the ribbon at this exquisite venue.
Romail Gulzar, founder of England Curry Capital also attended the event, which was hosted by award winning Wedding Guru and Event Host, Priti Raichura. On the night, guests were able to sample some of the restaurant’s many varied and delicious dishes.
Picture credit: Amrut
Everyone is welcome to come along and enjoy ‘India on a plate’ say the sisters, who have high hopes for their establishment – and even plans to open more across the UK…
However, they are happy to have opened their first in Leicester – the city which was crowned ‘England’s Curry Capital’ earlier this year.
Picture credit: Amrut
“We’re really thankful to Leicester – to have been given an opportunity like this – to open in the UK’s Curry Capital is amazing,” said Shivani.
“It’s my heart, it’s my family’s heart and it’s going to be Leicester’s heart as well.”
“People think about London when they think about England, but Leicester has given us a lot,” she added.
“So we are super grateful to start our first restaurant in England here In Leicester. This is our flagship but hopefully, just the start. In the future we hope we’ll be blessed to open more!”
Amrut is a sumptuous venue, which offers customers an ‘authentic taste of India.’
Picture: Pukaar News
On the menu are dishes from every part of India – plus Indo-Chinese and plenty of vegetarian and options for those who are gluten free. It is a place which caters for everyone and welcomes customers from all sectors of the community.
“Amrut is all about comfort and luxury. It’s also a place to experiment – you can try new foods – why stick to just one cuisine? Our menu is huge. India has a very, very rich cuisine so I feel that everybody should give it a chance,” Shweta tells Pukaar.
“Anybody and everybody’s welcome to come and enjoy the food and the ambiance – whether it’s a small baby or an 80 year-old man.
“Amrut should be a place where everyone’s welcome. We want them to have the feeling that we’ve invited them in our home. This is what we’ve created – a very safe space for people, where they can enjoy and have fun.”
Picture credit: Pukaar News
Originally from Delhi, India, Shweta pursued her studies in the United Kingdom. Now living in Leicester, she channels her entrepreneurial drive into managing the restaurant.
A true food enthusiast, she is dedicated to creating employment opportunities within the local community. 15 people have already found employment at Leicester’s Amrut, and it is hoped this could expand to between 20-25.
Shivani – a publisher and travel journalist, is currently based in Delhi. However, she lends her support to the family’s restaurant business, where it is rare to see strong, empowering women at the helm.
Using their individual skills, the sisters have been able to create something really special here in Leicester – a place which promises exquisite food in warm, sumptuous surroundings.
They have worked hard over the past year to bring their vision to life, and although there have been arguments, the end product is most definitely worth it they say.
Picture credit: Pukaar News
Picture credit: Pukaar News
“When I get into the restaurant and I see it, I am speechless,” said Shweta.
“If somebody comes to Churchgate we want it to be known as the place which has Amrut,” she added.
“We want to take Amrut to that level. It’s our baby and we have to nurture it and see it grow. We will make it happen – we’re going to make sure that it works. We’ll need a lot of support and touch wood we have people who are giving us that, together with a lot of love here in Leicester.”
You can find Amrut at 30 Churchgate, Leicester, LE1 4AJ
Visit https://amrutdining.co.uk/ to find out more
