There is a local restaurant I’ve been frequenting, through various name changes and owner changes for, goodness, 15 years.
It is an excellent place to eat. Specialising in Nepalese dishes with some Indian and Sri Lankan classic dishes on the menu.
You know it is good when one your Sri Lankan colleagues, who lives a significant distance away, knows of it and says it is a treat for them to visit.
They survived Covid, as many did, with difficulty and the Nation’s determination to have good take away. Rendered economically stronger by Covid, I know I was lucky there was overtime and £100 extra saved on the commute and coffee styled extras. I considered it my duty to support my favourite local restaurant.
We all know take away can only help to keep the lights on. Others were similarly minded. So we now have an energy and cost of living crisis. Businesses and families are suffering which causes a vicious cycle, like the depressionary and recessionary cycles.
Many businesses face either keeping costs the same and lowering quality and standards or raising prices. The inflationary Catch 22.
Just before Christmas, I decided to treat myself to my favourite meal of Manchurian Chicken and it was empty. On fairly good terms with the manager/owner we asked how business was doing. He told us, quite frankly, that he had been holding back on raising prices, hoping the energy crisis was just a blip.
They did raise the price but not by much.
I told my parents the restaurant was struggling. They decided that they were in a position to start going more often.
Over Christmas and New Year due to multiple family events and birthdays we probably had a takeaway a week and two eat in meals. Such things all very well and good but more needs to be done.
Those who can should, perhaps, take a leaf out of their pandemic behaviour book and see if they can support their favourite independent cafes, bookshops, restaurants and other businesses.
Come and stay a while, like a library, we don’t charge you for lingering. https://theiristribune.co.uk/
Supporting local restaurants and businesses is crucial for maintaining vibrant and resilient communities. As highlighted in the article, frequenting long-standing local establishments not only sustains their operations but also enriches our own experiences with unique flavors and personalized service. In light of recent challenges, such as the closure of cherished establishments like Rosie’s Boutique after seven years THE SUN and WOOD restaurant due to financial pressures THE SCOTTISH SUN , our patronage becomes even more vital. By choosing to shop and dine locally, we contribute to the economic health and cultural diversity of our neighborhoods, ensuring these beloved spots continue to thrive.