Gunwharf's Indian Palace closes down due to escalating costs

Indian Palace had been open at Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth for the past 15 years.

Anwar Miah, the restaurant’s manager said that rising costs of running the business were to blame.

He said rent, service charges, market contribution and the cost of materials had led to the decision to leave the shopping complex.

He said: ‘We were put in a situation where if we cut costs then we would comprise the quality of the service and food that we were providing for our customers. We simply did not want to have to do that.

‘People came to Indian Palace for quality and we never wanted that to be diminished.

‘The cost of everything is going up and it makes it much harder to function in this climate at a location like Gunwharf Quays.’

Anwar said that restaurants at the centre pay rent based on their turnover.

He added that customers would not see the end of the restaurant as he is looking to find another location for the business in Portsmouth.

He said: ‘We are looking to find a new location with a smaller rent and service charge. Hopefully we will find something soon.’

Colin Wilding, general manager at Gunwharf Quays said: ‘After many years of trading, Indian Palace closed its branch on Sunday, February 26.

‘As a centre, we’re continually evolving to ensure our visitors have the best experience possible.

‘As such, we have taken this opportunity to further invest in the centre, in order to offer a more varied dining selection.

‘Although we are saying goodbye to Indian Palace, we are enhancing our first floor dining experience, in readiness for our customers to enjoy the wonderful waterfront views this summer.’

Anwar’s message to all the restaurant’s customers over the years said: ‘I want to say a huge thank you to all the customers that have come to us over the years. We have a loyal customer base and it is such a sad thing that we have to go as we have so many great customers.

‘Thank you for all your support over the last 15 years, we will miss you.

‘We liked being here and we had a good run.

‘We would also thank the management, they have been there for us when we needed help and provided us with support when we asked.’