Leicester’s latest Indian eatery has opened its doors to the public – a stunning, ambient restaurant which is welcoming people from all walks of life to enjoy ‘India on a plate!’
Amrut restaurant opened in the city’s Churchgate on Friday (October 18). It belongs to sisters Shweta and Shivani Joon who are dedicated to offering customers an authentic taste of India. They are committed to turning it into the ‘heart of the city’ – a place where everyone is welcome – a destination dining experience where everyone desires to go.
“It’s my heart, it’s my family’s heart and it’s going to be Leicester’s heart as well,” Shivani tells the Leicester Times.
“If somebody comes to Churchgate, we want it to be known as the place which has Amrut,” added Shweta.
“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.”
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, Shweta is dedicated to creating employment opportunities within the local community. 15 people have already found employment at 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 works hard to lend her support to the family’s restaurant business.
Although there have been disagreements in the run up to the restaurant’s opening, the sister’s work well together, each utilising their own individual skills.
They are proud of what they have managed to create here in Leicester – a restaurant which is all about comfort, luxury and the warmest of welcomes.
“It’s been one year of hard labour and we had loads and loads of fights with the builders and even between ourselves – me and my sister have fought like crazy!” revealed Shivani.
“There are differences of opinions when you’re working together so that’s understandable. It’s been a journey. It’s not been an easy journey but the best part is that we have all become a family – the whole team. We’ve had differences of opinion, but somehow after a year everything has worked out exactly the way we wanted it to. So we are very happy and very grateful to each one of them.”
“When I get into the restaurant and I see the restaurant I am speechless,” added Shweta.
“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 also enjoy and have fun.”
Friday’s grand opening was attended by Shivani Raja, MP for Leicester East and Leicester’s Lord Mayor, Councillor Bhupen Dave, who cut the ribbon.
Romail Gulzar, founder of England Curry Capital also attended the event, which was hosted by multi-award winning Wedding Guru and Event Host, Priti Raichura. Guests were able to sample some of the restaurant’s many delectable dishes.
“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.
“People think about London when they think about England, but Leicester has given us a lot. So we are super grateful to start our first restaurant in England here In Leicester. This is our flagship but hopefully it’s just the start. In the future, we hope we’ll be blessed to open more!”
Visit: https://amrutdining.co.uk/ to find out more.
