‘Sky-rocketing’ costs force Indian fine dining restaurant to close

A series of “unrelenting challenges” has led the owner of an award-winning city centre restaurant to close its doors.

Masala Junction was opened seven years ago by Naj Aziz, who has described the cost of running the fine dining establishment on the corner of Mansfield Road and Hucknall Road as having “sky-rocketed.”

The restaurant, which won Best Neighbourhood Restaurant at the Nottingham Restaurant & Bar Awards in 2019, will close its doors for the final time on Saturday October 15.

In a statement, the restaurant said: “We opened the doors to Masala Junction 7 years ago, envisioning a place where our neighbourhood could come together to celebrate special moments and milestones with family and friends.

“Creating an experience of bonding over great food in a beautiful space was a labour of love for our family. So we were thrilled to have this recognised at the Nottingham Restaurant & Bar Awards when we were awarded winner of the Best Neighbourhood Restaurant.

“We’ve been so grateful for the support we’ve received from our guests and community, however, the challenges in the last few years have been unrelenting. Although our amazing team has worked hard overcoming the unforeseen trials facing our industry during and post pandemic, the cost of running a restaurant has nevertheless sky rocketed. With the weight of continued price increases on our minds and the fact that we don’t wish to outprice our guests either, it’s with a heavy heart that we’ve made the decision to close our doors on Saturday 15th October.

“We’re so grateful for all the memories we’ve been lucky enough to be part of with you, it’s been a blast and we’re proud to have warmed up this beautiful 1929 bank building for a time! Thank you deeply for all your support.”

Masala Junction said it will be in touch with all those who have bookings from October 16 onwards.