INDIA OPENS IN CHINATOWN

A premium fine-dining Indian restaurant has opened its doors in the heart of Birmingham’s Chinatown.

James Dahl, in The Arcadian Centre, which is owned and managed by London & Cambridge Properties, is the first restaurant to be opened by Birmingham businessman Mohammed Husban Ahmed.

Husban, who cut his teeth in the Indian restaurant business in the city over the past 15 years, spent just over three weeks overhauling the premises, which used to be occupied by Festival Balti, to create a luxurious 56-cover space that will appeal to a more discerning diner.

The 29-year-old has brought in Birmingham chef Mofur Miah, who has cooked for Tom Cruise, Janet Jackson and the Spice Girls – as well as gaining renown for flying out a mammoth order 4,000 miles away to the Democratic Republic of the Congo for UN troops – to take charge of the kitchen and a team of three chefs.

“It’s been my dream to open a restaurant for years and I’ve put my heart and soul into creating a very sophisticated place in which to dine, enjoy an evening of fine food and experience excellent customer service,” said Husban.

“I know The Arcadian is known for its Chinese restaurants, but I wanted to put a little bit of India in there, too.”

Welcoming James Dahl to The Arcadian Centre, which is located in Southside, Lina Higuita, centre manager, said: “There is a tremendous mix of restaurants and bars here and we are thrilled to welcome yet another fine dining establishment in James Dahl.

“The Arcadian Centre is rightly renowned as one of the leading leisure areas of the city, whether you want to grab a pre-theatre drink or enjoy a relaxing meal. Husban has done a superb job on transforming the interior and we’re looking forward to celebrating his success here at The Arcadian Centre.”