Star of Bengal re-opens

The Star of Bengal opening with new owner Abdul Rehman Chand, Mayor Ray Dutton and Mayoress Elaine Dutton friends and family

The Star of Bengal, one of Rochdale's first Indian restaurants, has relaunched and has gone back to its original name after being taken over by new management, led by Abdul Rehman Chand.

The venue on Yorkshire Street has had a £100,000 design overhaul, with funky new walls, a brighter new look bar and seating area.

Mr Chand said the menu has also been given a makeover.

He added: “The venue is one of Rochdale’s first ever Indian restaurants, so there’s a lot of history here and the restaurant is well remembered by the people of Rochdale, which is why I wanted to go back to its original name.

“The menu has remained simple as we want to give customers what they want, which is traditional Bangladeshi, Pakistani and Indian cuisine.”

The Star of Bengal has been taken over twice and renamed Zouks and Al-Noor respectively.

It was originally launched by Bangladeshi MBE award winner, Khandaker Abdul Musabbir in 1976 and was one of three thriving Indian restaurants in Rochdale and business was great throughout the 70s, 80s and the 90s.

It became a popular place to dine and patrons included local councillors and MPs.

Mr Chand said: “The top end of Yorkshire Street has been going through a bit of a renaissance in recent years.

"While some parts of the high street have suffered, this part of Yorkshire Street has seen a number of independent businesses launching and thriving.

“There are a number of other eateries here, and it’s great to be located in an area where there is a lot of support for businesses.”