A bright light in the current COVID-19 climate, a popular local business has reopened after council and the owners teamed up to save the historic CBD premises.
Indian Mehfil has reopened after closing in February for repairs to the council-owned building.
Owner Rajesh Sharma said their full takeaway menu and delivery menu is now available for lunch and dinner.
“It’s been a difficult few months for everyone but now that restoration work has been completed on our kitchen area, we are excited to be back serving the people of Ipswich,” he said.
The restaurant was closed for extensive structural work to be done to the sub-floor.
The work required the removal of the entire floor in the kitchen of the circa 1860 building which then had to be replaced.
The delicate works in the heritage-listed building cost $280,000.
The kitchen floor replacement included new stainless steel drainage and floor coverings.
A new cold room and freezer was also installed along with lighting throughout the kitchen.
The externals of the building and the lane way area had an industrial clean.
Mayor Teresa Harding said the reopening was “awesome news” for Mehfil curry lovers.
“The aromas from the kitchen were wonderful,” she said.
“You can ring the restaurant directly on 3281 8683 for takeaway or home delivery. It would be great if you could order from them directly and not through UberEats (as they take a pretty big cut of the payment).”
Mr Sharma said it is a good thing to have an elected local government back in place.
“We look forward to playing our part in Ipswich’s fresh start,” he said.
“The world is a different place so there are a few things we will have to adapt.
“Some of our staff went home overseas and they have not been able to get back for the reopening because of the restrictions.”
Mr Sharma, who had held the lease for 10 years at the eatery opposite the Nicholas Street redevelopment, said the restaurant would benefit by council’s major improvements in the CBD.
For now Mr Sharma is pleased to be able to reopen his newly refurbished restaurant.
“We thank our staff and customers for their patience, understanding and support over the past few months and look forward to welcoming you back into our restaurant to rediscover your favourite curries,” he said.
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