Cyrus and Pervin Todiwala's Café Spice Namaste to relocate after 25 years
The pair will close their restaurant on Prescot Street in east London at the end of January 2021 having occupied the Grade II-listed former magistrates court since 1995 before moving to new premises nearby.
“It has been and will be a very difficult time for us, but there is hope too. Our anniversary falls on the Festival of Diwali where light overcomes darkness and brings hope over gloom,” says Cyrus.
“Early in the New Year, Café Spice Namaste will be moving to different premises, not too far away.”
To help with the transition, three of the Indian restaurant’s most loyal customers have launched a Friends of Café Spice Namaste appeal. In the appeal, Nick Gooding, John Minton and Howard Townson have released a message discussing how much Café Spice Namaste has helped to enrich their lives over the years, and highlight the difficulties borne by restaurateurs like the Todiwalas due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
“We have been patrons of Café Spice Namaste for well over 25 years going back to the earlier Namaste (the Todiwala’s first restaurant in Ailie Street). We have always found it an exceptional restaurant, not just for its first-class food but because of the warm-hearted welcome and genuine hospitality which we think second to none. Cyrus, Pervin and all their staff have always treated us,” they write.
“Cyrus, Pervin and all their staff have always treated us not only as welcome guests but as their good friends. We are sure that many of you have found the same.
“Now times are hard for them all. This is true in the restaurant trade generally and most are struggling to survive. The Café Spice Namaste team are simultaneously facing other difficulties which, despite their conviction to ride out the Covid storm, are making it hard for them to go forward.
“Please do join us in helping them. Café Spice Namaste has enriched our lives and we want it to continue to do so.”
The trio have each made a personal donation of £100 to kickstart the appeal.
“We are extremely grateful to Nick, John and Howard who came up with the idea to launch a Friends of Café Spice fund,” says Cyrus.
“Theirs is an incredible gesture, which has bowled us over. We can only say at this point a humble ‘thank you’ if you choose to become a Friend of Café Spice Namaste in this way too.”
The Todiwalas say that any funds raised “will be tightly ring-fenced” for the costs of moving and setting up a new home for Café Spice Namaste.
“Your generosity will forever be etched in our hearts, and as we navigate the current situation, we will be looking at several ways, linked to our food and service, that we can thank you for believing in us.”
Café Spice Namaste has held a Michelin BIB Gourmand since the award was created in 1998.
Donations to the Friends of Café Spice Namaste Appeal can be made here
