People of Bermondsey: Meet Suhel from Tower Tandoori
Can you tell us about the origins of Tower Tandoori and what inspired its establishment in Bermondsey?
Tower Bridge Tandoori was formerly Dreamland Tandoori and was bought over by my Grandfather and his partners in 1977. It was owned by Mr Jaman who lives in Long Lane and he ran it for approx 15 years. Before him, another man ran the business as ‘Star of India’ for approx 12 years.
My grandfather rebranded it to Tower Bridge Tandoori in 1978 because of its proximity to Tower Bridge and Tower of London. It was later shortened to ‘Tower Tandoori’.
Our family originated from Aldgate in East London, where my grandfather began life as a tailor and later became one of the first landlords from the Bangladeshi community. The Tower Bridge area was the most vibrant due to tourism and when the opportunity came, they decided to take over the restaurant because it was already a running business. It wasn’t all plain sailing as the area was run down and had many issues; however, the old Bermondsey people and the 80s pub culture made the restaurant a neighbourhood classic and a south London ‘institution’!
Tower Tandoori has been a part of the Bermondsey community since 1978. How have you seen the area change over the years?
I was born at Guy's in 1987 and my first school was Grange Primary behind the restaurant. My Dad and Grandfather could tell you much more about how the area has changed since the 70s.
When we used to come to the restaurant with our Dad, we were allowed to play up to the corner where Bermondsey Street begins. (There was a street market in front of the shops) At the time Bermondsey Street was run down and almost dangerous, we weren’t allowed to go past the last shop (currently Bermondsey Garden)
I can recollect how we banned smoking in the restaurant before the national ban came into force; there was almost a local uproar for the first few weeks but people soon accepted it!
After our major refurbishment project in 2002/03, we started to attract a different clientele; mainly business groups, artists and the new Bermondsey which stemmed from Bermondsey Street. New developments such as Alaska buildings and the Jam Factory helped to create a trendy image for Bermondsey and we could see that in the clientele. Even the businesses were changing in the area. All the old pubs were becoming trendy gastro pubs.
We started to promote alfresco dining and allowed guests to dine out on the pavement; this would never have been possible before. The area was changing and developing for the better.
What makes Tower Tandoori unique among other Indian restaurants in London?
Tower Tandoori is not only one of the oldest Indian restaurants in London but it is also London’s oldest Tandoori restaurant.
There has been an Indian restaurant at this location for over 70 years! All businesses have a story or a theme but no other Indian restaurant has so much history and a family legacy like ours.
Founded by my grandfather, Tower Tandoori has been a family business since 1977; my brother and I are the third generation of the business.
It is classed as a pioneering business within the Indian restaurant industry not only because of our world-famous address but also because the business survived so much including racism, riots and recessions.
It’s also an example of how British Bangladeshis have prospered in the UK.
I think one thing which makes us unique is that we have always stayed true to who we are and also what Tower Tandoori is. We have never tried to be something that we’re not. Genuine Tandoori cuisine is what we do so that’s what we have stuck to and kept to our promise.
As the managing director, what have been your biggest challenges and rewards in running a longstanding restaurant like Tower Tandoori?
As with running any business, you face challenges and obstacles and I’ve had my fair share too! There was a big shortage of skilled Indian chefs in the UK, luckily we were able to retain our long-term kitchen team without too many issues.
Covid was an unprecedented few years in our history, we managed to weather the storm and survive it and it was a good time to give back to the community through charity.
As we had secured planning to extend the restaurant just before Covid started, we carried out major works during the time. Thinking back, it was a surreal time!
When I think about the biggest rewards, it’s never monetary. Yes, it’s nice being recognised locally and in the industry but that’s not my motivation. I’ve always loved the idea of owning one of the oldest restaurants in London. I’ve always believed Money can’t buy legacy and history. This is priceless to me.
How does Tower Tandoori engage with the local community? Are there specific events or charities you support?
As a business Tower Tandoori was the project lead for spearheading the business association, Tower Bridge Road Alliance. Since 2012, we have helped obtain over £1 million which has been directly invested into the infrastructure, environment and landscape of our high street. (With the help of Southwark Council and TFL) This has helped make our street a better place for residents, businesses and visitors.
Tower Tandoori has been at Bermondsey Street Festival since 2012, it’s an amazing event which brings the entire community together and has grown to become a great success of Bermondsey.
Since 2009, my Dad has been an ambassador for an International Cancer Hospital Charity based in Bangladesh. It’s a great cause which we have supported from day 1.
Since 1978, Tower Tandoori has worked with so many different charitable organisations and hosted numerous charity nights, I would never be able to list them all! This year, we’re working with The Felix Project to provide 45000 meals for Londoners in need (in conjunction with our 45th anniversary celebrations)
With changes in dining trends and customer preferences, how has Tower Tandoori adapted its offerings to stay current and appealing?
Even though Tower Tandoori has always been about Tandoori cuisine and our menu features many dishes from regional parts of India and the subcontinent; We have always supported local suppliers and incorporated ingredients which come from all over the UK.
Our menus are a continuous work in progress and dependent on seasonal produce. They also feature vegan options and not only do we pay a lot of attention to calories, oil content, portion size, sugar/salt content and daily vitamin intake; but we also think about how customers pair the dishes with a carbohydrate and how that affects their overall meal and experience.
Looking forward, what are some of the aspirations you have for Tower Tandoori in the next few years?
The planning never ends at Tower Tandoori and we’re always looking to do more. In the very immediate future, we’ve got some new menus coming your way including a special ‘Heritage Menu’ and an ‘Afternoon Tea Menu’.
Our luxury bar space which is aptly named the Bridge Bar will not only become a versatile space for breakfast, workspace, events and more; but will also be home to one of the largest selections of dry spirit in London!
As a neighbourhood restaurant, we want to continue being exciting and fresh for our clientele and community; we have a number of activities planned all with the intention of keeping Tower Tandoori a number one choice as a venue in the area.
Finally, for someone who has never visited Tower Tandoori, how would you describe the dining experience they can expect?
Tower Tandoori offers a friendly welcome from the moment you enter. Every member of staff is genuinely happy to be working here and you’ll see that in the way they approach you.
Our dining areas, bar and restrooms are luxurious, comfortable and relaxed but not pretentious. Our menus are the same; the food is genuine, generous and prepared by experienced professionals who take great pride in what they do; there are no cutting corners here.
Even though we have received numerous industry awards for food, hospitality and service, we don’t bang on about being ‘Michelin-grade or something! We focus on our guests and ensure they have the best Tandoori cuisine and we make sure we deliver. We provide a non-judgmental and family-friendly safe space for everyone to enjoy.
We never rush our guests even if we are busy and have bookings. Every detail is thought about as we want to see our guests return time after time.
