Neelagiree – Rotherham’s resplendent new ‘Indian’ option
A delicious new option for diners in Rotherham, Indian restaurant Neelagiree – resplendent with colourful decor and richly decorated with genuine Indian artworks and ornaments – has just opened on Westgate.
Owned by local firm PRSL (Progressive Retail Solutions Ltd) under the leadership of Managing Director Rex Oustine Jose, who invested nearly£800,000 in Neelagiree, the venue is reportedly doing very well with particularly high volumes of business at the weekends.
The design & layout plan for the new restaurant, which opened in January this year, was created by the highly talented & well know designer Lakshmi Mahurya, with the refurbishment and fit out works being undertaken by Ian Whitehead Commercial Interiors.
The 130-cover restaurant brings vibrant new life to the building which had previously a night club, with the recently completed works comprising the formation of the new venue on the ground floor. Additional facilities for the restaurant are scheduled to be added on the basement and first floors in a further two phases of work scheduled later.
Ian Whitehead, managing director of Ian Whitehead Commercial Interiors said: “The building had previously been a public house and nightclub for a number of years, and required a complete strip out initially. On the ground floor, we provided a complete new catering kitchen, which was fitted with all the latest stainless steel equipment.
“We also created a private dining area for parties and groups which is screened off – with the remainder of the ground floor space being open plan and including a large reception area, a Corian-topped bar and bar area, and a spacious main dining space.
“The decor has a fairly modern feel with vibrant colours and a large number of traditional Indian artwork and ornaments, which were specially imported.”
These ornamental features and artworks & speciality painting designed and sourced by Rex Oustine Jose, echo the traditional and cultural richness of India, providing a genuine impression of the country’s vibrant culture.
Ian Whitehead continued: “Throughout the ground floor there is a wide array of different seating types, ranging from private booths to banquettes and loose seating. Flooring is in a combination of timber and carpeting.
“The decor includes a combination of paint and wallpaper, combined with different types of lighting including pendants, recessed LED and colour changing lights.
“Other works included the installation of all new services, including plumbing, electrics and heating, as well as some external re-decoration.
“This was a challenging fast track project; the work went smoothly and the client was pleased with the result.”
The Neelagiree menu comprises a wide variety of regional Indian dishes cooked by highly skilled and experienced chefs, offering dishes drawn from the length and breadth of India – from Maharashtra in the west to West Bengal in the east, and from Kerala in the south to Jammu in the north, with specialities including Keralan Fish Curry and Masala Dosa. Other south Indian specialities including KERALA PARATT – made freshly every day, Idli (steam cooked special dish) are also served. Kerala APPAM – which is very famous in south India, and Kuttu Rotti a Tamilnadu speciality will be introduced in few weeks.
The restaurant also offers a lunchtime buffet, take away service and value-for-money quick lunch menu, ideal for local workers.
According to the venue: “Neelagiree is proud to say that it is the only one of its kind in Yorkshire. It serves dishes proven to be traditionally the best from selected states of India.”
Neelagiree is named after the world famous Nilgiris mountain range in South India. The Nilgiris (Blue peaks/ blue hills) is the name given to a range of mountains spread across the borders among the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala. Nilgiri Hills are part of a larger mountain chain known as the Western Ghats. This beautiful cluster of hills is famous for its natural spices and tea and coffee plantations.
