A CELEBRITY chef has been 'truly humbled' by the warmth and enthusiasm from the Knutsford community for her new restaurant.
Indian street food restaurant Mowgli has been inundated with customers since opening on King Street two months ago.
The former Barclays Bank has been transformed with thousands of twinkling fairy lights, lanterns and the chain’s signature swing seats into a bright, buzzing eatery.
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Nisha Katona MBE, founder of Mowgli Street Food chain, said: "I couldn't be happier or more proud of the team.
“I'd also like to thank the wonderful guests, both two and four-legged, who came through our doors.
“I'm truly humbled by how they have welcomed us, cut us some slack during those nervous opening moments and provided our lovely team with compliments and words of encouragement."
The former barrister gave up a 20-year law career to open her first restaurant in Liverpool in 2014.
Recognised as one of the nation’s fastest growing companies, Mowgli now has 22 outlets with a further two opening in the coming months.
Author and TV presenter Nisha, 52 said: “Taking Mowgli to Knutsford is like bringing her home to me.
“I love everything about the foodie, four-legged, friendly Knutsford atmosphere, and taking my Indian home kitchen to this community makes me so excited.
“It’s a market town where I spend so much of my time; I love the lunch scene, the dog-friendly shops, and the twinkling high street evenings.”
The mum-of-two is passionate to serve the kind of food Indians eat at home and on their streets.
The menu is bursting with dishes full of fresh, bright, intense flavours.
“Everything is cooked fresh by our team of local chefs every morning, and every day, we know we are only as good as our last curry.”
Each restaurant is partnered with a local charity.
In Knutsford, Mowgli has teamed up with East Cheshire Hospice.
“I’m full of enthusiasm,” said Nisha.
“For every Mowgli, we create jobs for local foodies, aim to raise more than £500,000 per year for charity and sponsor a child in need for every full-time employee.
“To make Knutsford truly our home, we will adopt East Cheshire Hospice as our local house charity recommended by those who dine with us, to whom we will dedicate our time and resources.”
Luke Oldham, corporate fundraiser at the hospice, said: “We are so proud to partner with Mowgli.
“It is clear that charitable giving is part of the fabric of the company and we are thrilled that they have chosen to represent East Cheshire Hospice.
“A hospice only exists because of the goodwill and generosity of its surrounding community.
“This partnership is an exciting opportunity for us to make deeper connections with the people of Knutsford. Thank you, Mowgli.”
Reservations for Mowgli Knutsford can be made at mowglistreetfoodcom
The 76-cover restaurant is open daily from 11.30am, serving lunch and dinner.
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