05 October 2009, 23:41 PM
  • Three weeks ago Linky Chadha and her 20-year-old son Rav opened Café Chutney in Covent Garden, London

Targeting the increasing market for authentic, ethnic cuisine, the family businesss makes home-made Indian specialities which are currently unavailable in the majority of UK restaurants and delis. A daily footfall of 250 people is the ultimate target.

“Bombay on the Beach is a traditional snack using potatoes, chickpeas and puff rice mixed together with different chutneys. We didn’t think it would be very popular, but a surprising number of people know about it,” said Ms Chadha.

“It’s fast becoming our most popular item on the menu because there are so few places that offer it. Last week a group of tourists came back three days running. It has been excellent for repeat custom,” she explained.

Fresh juices and lassis are also available throughout the day.

The 30-cover cafe and takeaway food counter has a modern back drop of Asian art designed to attract young professionals.

“We wanted to create a totally different atmosphere to any other speciality food outlet so we played on the familiarity of Indian cuisine and then added excitement and intrigue with an eclectic mix of 3D fibre glass paintings and jewellery to decorate the shop,” said Ms Chadha.

Customers are also invited to enjoy a selection of Bollywood music tracks and plans are afoot to promote the cafe with life-size puppets dressed in traditional Asian fashion.

“We’re inspired by the theatrical side of Covent Garden market. People always stop for street performances so we hope it will encourage everyone to take a closer look at Café Chutney,” said Ms Chadha.

Opening hours are from 10.30am until 7.30pm, which the Chadhas are hoping to extend in the run-up to Christmas. “We’re in the process of applying for a liquor license so that we can welcome office parties after work,” explained Ms Chadha.

In the interim, the focus is on publicity. “We’ve been really encouraged by our first three weeks in business, but we need to make more people aware of who we are and why we’re different. When Rav takes the reins in six months we want to be fully established,” said Ms Chadha.