Indian food and drink chain applies to open in Preston

An Indian street food chain could be on its way to Preston.
An Indian street food outlet has applied for permission to open on Deepdale Road.An Indian street food outlet has applied for permission to open on Deepdale Road.
An Indian street food outlet has applied for permission to open on Deepdale Road.

Midlands-based Chaiiwala has applied to open one of its franchises in a former pharmacy at the junction of Deepdale Road and St. George’s Road, just yrads from Preston North End's stadium.

If planning permission is granted, the venture is expected to create 13 jobs, five of which will be full-time.

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There are currently more than a dozen Chaiiwala outlets across the country, including one in Blackburn - operated by the man who wants to bring the experience to the people of Preston.

Arif Master says he hopes the menu will tempt customers from all backgrounds.

“A lot of non-Asian people will be walking past the the shop and I know from experience that as long as the environment is right and everybody feels comfortable, it will be popular with other cultures.”

The Deepdale outlet would be able to seat between 30-40 diners at any one time and will include a takeaway option.

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Items on the Chiiwala menu include a Bombay sandwich, masala chips and specialist Indian teas - which Arif says are the most popular of all the traditional delicacies that he serves up.

“People from an Asian background often make these teas at home - but it takes up to 40 minutes to brew. We are able to put that time and effort in and allow the spices to infuse, but because we will be constantly making it, it will be available on tap.”

The proposed outlet would be open from 8am until 11pm every day except Saturday, when its hours would extend to 1am. Residents have until 14th January to submit comments on the application to Preston City Council.

According to documents lodged with the authority, there is no parking provision for the venue, because the business model is “based on local trade”.

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A ventilation system would be installed at the rear of the property, where a separate bin store would also be created.

Two existing flats above the combined retail premises - which were most recently home to an insurance firm - would be unaltered.