A RESTAURATEUR is hoping to change the way British people eat curry with his new Tuckton venue.

Simon Rahman has opened up a restaurant alongside his established Sakib Spice takeaway, which has been trading for 13 years, in Tuckton Road, Tuckton.

However, unlike every other Indian restaurant around, he has taken the decision not to serve alcohol.

Simon said he realised he was taking a business risk, but his reasons were several-fold, including tackling what Simon sees as a booze problem and also enhancing the taste of his dishes.

He said: “Alcohol is, health-wise, the biggest problem at the moment in this country.

“It causes social problems and domestic problems.

“When people come to my restaurant they go home safely.

“I like to create atmosphere in my restaurant.

“There’s been a wrong concept that you eat curry with a beer. As an Indian I don’t do that.

“Originally curry went with yoghurt drinks and soft drinks.

“Wine doesn’t go with curry at all.”

Simon admitted that his policy of going against the British tradition of a curry and a pint was risky.

He added: “It’s a risk, but at the same time I want to create a market where people feel free to come in here and go home safely.

“Alcohol is not designed for curry, it’s a totally wrong concept.

“You don’t taste the curry flavour when you drink, especially with lager and wine.

“I would like people to taste the flavour of my curry.”

Simon said initial feedback from customers had been positive.

“It’s a challenge but one I want to take up,” he added.