THE owner of an award-winning Kettering restaurant says customers are at the heart of its success.
The Raj in Rockingham Road took the East Midlands Restaurant of the Year title at the Asian Curry Awards ceremony in at The Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London in November. The award was based on a public vote and The Raj was only shortlisted among fierce competition in the first place because a customer put forward a nomination.
Goyas Miah, who runs the popular restaurant, which includes a first floor piano lounge, a private dining room and a heated roof terrace shisha lounge, was delighted with the award.
“Our customers are at the heart of everything we do and to have been won through a public vote is a massive thrill for us,” he said. “We didn’t even know about it until we were told our customers had put our name forward and from there it was down to our customers the public to vote for us.
“The Asian Curry Awards is not just for Indian or Bangladeshi restaurants, but any Asian cuisine, so to be voted best in the East Midlands is a major thing for us.
“We have been here since 1991 and have always believed that listening to our customers, finding out what they want and don’t want, and what they like and don’t like, makes us stronger. We have seen over the years that customers are much more discerning about the produce we use and the way the dishes are cooked and we’ve worked hard to meet their expectations.”
The Raj boasts a wide and varied menu from traditional favourites to chef’s specials and healthier options. The first floor lounge means that customers can start or end their visit with a relaxing drink, including a selection of cocktails, often to the gentle accompaniment of a pianist.
There’s also a function room for private hire and Goyas and his team are happy to help customers looking to organise a special occasion wherever they can. Recently, The Raj hosted a special 25th anniversary party for Whitco Catering and Bakery Equipment Ltd from Thrapston, raising money for Motor Neurone Disease Association.
“People can relax and take it easy at The Raj, enjoy a drink before eating or move up to the lounge afterwards for a nightcap before they head home,” said Goyas. “It’s all part of the experience and how we like to do things differently, with everything in one place.”
The Raj is at 46-50 Rockingham Road, Kettering. Call 01536 513606 or visit the website www.therajrestaurant.net