Brighton: Curry Leaf Cafe closes amid new Mowgli and Dishoom sites

The Curry Leaf Cafe in Ship Street, Brighton, served its last customers on Sunday evening, marking the end of a ten-year-long business venture which shook up the city's Indian offer when it first opened.

But new chain competitors moving in nearby left the owners with no option but to shut up shop and call in administrators.

Co-founders Euan and Kanthi Kiran Thamma celebrating a silver best newcomer award in the Brighton Food and Drink Awards 2014 (Image: Euan Sey)

Co-owner Euan Sey told The Argus: "Like all hospitality businesses, we’ve had our fair share of ups and downs in recent years.

When we launched in 2014 the Indian street food sector was in its infancy and we’re proud to have been the first to combine that exciting dining style with a full-scale craft beer offering.

"We’ve battled hard these past few years to keep our team in jobs and the curry and craft beer flowing to customers."

Read more: Curry Leaf Cafe rockets to top of the restaurant charts

From struggles during the Covid-19 pandemic to chain restaurants like Mowgli and Dishoom also serving informal Indian meals just minutes away, Euan said the challenges his business faced in recent years were not sustainable.

The Curry Leaf brand once had several locations across Brighton but had to downscale during the pandemic to keep the business afloat.

Euan added: "The downturn in trade due to the cost of living crisis, combined with soaring costs of doing business and the recent influx of competition in this part of the city from national Indian street food chains - with much deeper pockets than ourselves - has left us with no option but to close the door on our beloved Brighton Lanes restaurant for the last time."

Owners Euan Sey, second right, and Kanthi Kiran Thamma, second left, and their staff in 2014

The restaurant opened on April 5, 2014, as a joint venture between journalist Euan and his flatmate Kanthi Thamma who shared a passion for food.

It slotted into what at the time was a niche market of Indian street food and built up a cult following of diners who visited time and time again.

But new trends have made it harder for the independent restaurant, which used only local suppliers, to compete and stay afloat in the market, along with other pressures.

Euan said all hope is not lost, though. He said: "We’re going to take some time to reflect on the brand’s future, but very much hope this won’t be the end of the Curry Leaf Cafe story.

"We’d like to take this opportunity to thank our fantastic team, who’ve gone above and beyond so many times, and the brilliant Sussex breweries and other suppliers who have provided us with everything from our meat, veg, wines and spirits, to takeaway packaging and food recycling services."

People who had reservations have already been contacted by the restaurant.