New takeaway, Ali Tandoori, opens on Botchergate, Carlisle

Ali Tandoori, on Botchergate, officially opened on Wednesday, May 1, offering Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine.

It was opened by mayor of Carlisle, Abdul Harid, who was a restaurateur in the city previously, and known for the Dhaka Tandoori which closed last decade.

Mr Harid said he'd hired many of the people at the Dhaka who now work at Ali’s Tandoori, and was able to meet and speak with familiar faces at the event this week.

Dilwar Ali, owner of Ali’s Tandoori, said: “We would like to thank everyone for joining us today to celebrate the opening of our family-run business, Ali Tandoori.

Ali Tandoori interior (Image: Ollie Rawlinson)

“A special thanks to our mayor for also taking time out today to join us for this special opening.

“Ali Tandoori is very close to our hearts.

“We are very excited to bring new flavours of Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine to the local community.

“We hope you enjoy our food and support our family business.”

Mr Harid said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have been invited by Mr Ali.

Dilwar Ali, owner of Ali Tandoori (left), with the mayor and mayoress of Carlisle at the ribbon cutting ceremony this week (Image: Ollie Rawlinson)

“This has been a vacant property for many years, and indeed Botchergate is the main thoroughfare to our city, so I’m really pleased that he’s had the courage to come up, refurbish this empty property, and put it back into business.

“Since it's going to be his family business, I wish him very well because he's spent a lot of time and put a lot of hard work into this, and Carlisle needs that contribution from local small retailers and small businesses.

“We see so many boarded up shops, so because this has been put into use by a local family, it is wonderful.”

Dilwar Ali, owner of Ali Tandoori (left), shaking hands with the mayor Abdul Harid (Image: Ollie Rawlinson)

He added: “I was involved with the Dhaka 30 years ago, and I’ve had so many people employed.

“I do recognise a couple of faces from years ago; I’m pleased that they’re here now, and that Mr Ali is employing those individuals.”

The business will be open from 5pm to 11pm Monday to Thursday and Sunday, and from 5pm to 3am on Friday and Saturday.