Diners in Derbyshire are planning on swapping their Christmas turkey for chicken tikka this festive season after a recently refurbished Indian restaurant revealed it is almost fully booked.
Contemporary Asian restaurant Kitchen 7, based in Shardlow, has been in such demand since relaunching in August that it has also started a delivery and collection service.
Now families keen to avoid Christmas Day kitchen chaos have booked to spend the big day at the eatery which serves contemporary Asian cuisine and seats 140 people.
The restaurant, which was previously known as Tandoori Nights, has also launched afternoon tea in its reenergised space which has updated décor, comfortable seating and improved lighting.
The business has been run by the same family for more than 30 years who say Christmas Day bookings have never been sold out this early before.
Restaurant owner Ali Khan said: “Since our relaunch as Kitchen 7 we have been stunned by the support from our community. It’s been heartwarming to see so many familiar faces and new guests choosing our restaurant for evenings out and family celebrations.
“When we opened for Christmas Day bookings, we thought it may take time to fill up, but I can honestly say that we are almost fully booked which is extraordinary for October.
“It's wonderful to see so many families choosing to celebrate the festive season with our Indian cuisine. We are lining up a very special menu which will feature a fusion of traditional Indian flavours with a festive twist.”
Kitchen 7 has four separate dining areas, including one for private dining which seats up to 20 guests.
The menu features authentic Indian cuisine with a modern twist and dishes include seafood moilee, vegetable kadhi and dhaba gosht.
Mr Ali added: “We always aimed to bring something fresh and unique to the dining scene, while also staying consistent with the quality of our food and service. It’s exciting to see that people have embraced this vision.
“Seeing guests return time and time again is a true sign of success for us. Building relationships with our customers and becoming their go-to place is exactly what we hoped for.
“For many people Christmas dinner is the most important meal of the year, so it is a privilege that so many families are going to be dining with us.”
