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Grand opening for new Dukinfield business

The pandemic has presented the hospitality industry with unprecedented challenges with many struggling simply to survive.

Sadly, too many businesses that closed their doors in the lockdowns have shut for good.

But one family business aiming to buck that trend is a newly opened establishment in Dukinfield.

‘Rice n’ Spice’ staged its ‘Grand Opening’ event on Friday where special guests included local MPs Andrew Gwynne and Afzal Khan, plus Dukinfield councillor Naila Sharif who all came out to support the establishment and had the honour of cutting the tape to declare the business open.

The family team behind Rice n’ Spice already have an award-winning restaurant in the family which is based in Carlisle. It has previously won the accolade of being voted number one in the area.

Owners include Ruhel and Raheem Choudhury and their brothers and brother-in-law.

Ruhel said: “We’ve come to Dukinfield to make our own stamp in the area as we know Dukinfield and Ashton have a good reputation for award-winning Asian food. We want to offer something new at the same time and provide a modern, contemporary environment and cuisine.

“Our food is traditional Asian food with a twist with some special dishes and award-winning food. Our flavours are quite unique and flavoursome.”

He explained that the timing was right for the family to open the new venture despite the pressures of the pandemic.

“This is something that we as brothers have always wanted to do.

“Our father was in the industry and ran a few businesses in the past and has retired now, but it is in our blood and we have always been eager to have our own place and this is a dream come true.”

The restaurant on Astley Street offers some 40 covers as well as delivery and collection options for food and drink.

Ultimately, the brothers hope to grow the business and offer more job opportunities while continuing to serve up award-winning food.

MP Andrew Gwynne said: “It’s great to see new businesses having confidence in the area. Rice n’ Spice here in Dukinfield is absolutely amazing and I wish them all the very best for the future.

“Obviously hospitality has taken a very real hit during the pandemic and it’s great that things are opening back up again. 

“We still have to be a little cautious and responsible around Covid and look after one another, but it’s nice to have that freedom and to enjoy people’s company and great to have new businesses like this here in Dukinfield offering something new and a great choice of food.”

Dukinfield councillor Naila Sharif echoed the MP’s views and said that the restaurant and take away business was a great addition to the town, encouraging everyone to come out and support the new business.

“They have done a lot of hard work in lockdown and it’s important to support them and good for people’s own mental well-being as well to be able to come out and socialise again.”

She added: “Everyone has been affected by the pandemic financially, economically and mentally as well so it is good to be coming out of restrictions, supporting local businesses and also to have something new visit here in Dukinfield.”

Images by Nigel Wood

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