Ex-pie firm boss launches Indian street food brand
THE former boss of North West pie businesses Hollands and Poole’s has teamed up with a catering business to launch a new ethnic food brand.
Neil Court-Johnston, has launched a venture called Mubai Street Food with south Manchester-based businessman Raj Somaiya, owner of Payal, which is one of the largest food suppliers to the Indian wedding sector.
The two entrepreneurs recently have launched a pop-up kitchen in Manchester and are understood to be looking for new premises to provide additional production capacity.
The pair are targeting football fans and musical festival goers as well as the pub trade, where they have secured a listing for Mumbai Street Food in 173 JW Lees pubs.
Mr Somaiya, who inherited Sharston-based Payal from his parents, said: “Indian food has a reputation for being intimidating and complicated, but this is a myth. Indian home cooking is fresh, simple and quick and this is a mission to show the public just how fantastic it can be.
“Food is a religion in India – even more so than cricket. Our purpose is to bring the charm, personality and love of food – together with the magical tastes and smells to link the public, in an instant, to the streets of Mumbai. Mumbai Street Food will change the way you eat and think about Indian food for ever. There’s so much to be inspired by.”
Mr Court-Johnston added: “Mumbai Street Food is about bringing the authentic flavours of India to the UK. This is proper Indian home cooking that is unrecognisable from the 1970’s style Indian food that is still served up in many high-street curry houses across the UK. Put simply, vibrant, delicious and fresh recipes – packed with flavour, straight from the streets of Mumbai.”
The range comprises ‘Mumbai Quicks’ (e.g. Kati Rolls), ‘Mumbai mains’ (e.g. Methi curry) and ‘Mumbai sides’ (Popcorn Pakora and Masala Chips).
Mr Court-Johnson left Hollands after a fall-out with its then owner Northern Foods. He then ran Wigan-based Poole’s but left before its administration and eventual sale.
