New Indian and Bangladeshi restaurant opens in Leighton Buzzard

Leighton-Linslade Mayor David Bligh cut the ribbon at the Olive Lounge in Bridge Street as it welcomed its first guests last week.

The 50-seat restaurant and takeaway serves a wide range of traditional meat, seafood, vegetarian and vegan Indian and Bangladeshi dishes, featuring familiar favourites as well as lesser-known gems.

Signature dishes include ‘Sizzling Thawa’, a popular sizzling street food cooked in a thawa bowl, and the ‘Railway’, based on a dish travellers would cook at railway stations in the 19th century.

Owner Hasan Jahed Jay, known as Jay, owned the New Spice Lounge in Lake Street, Leighton Buzzard until 2024.

He said many of the customers who knew him from there were excited to hear about his new project and joined him and his team on the opening day.

“It was fantastic to see everyone turn up and show their support – they were all really happy for us, which was lovely,” Jay added.

The Olive Lounge head chef is Noman Ahmed, who also worked at the New Spice Lounge, among other restaurants in the area.

He has twice won Best Chef in Bedfordshire at the Euro Asia Curry Awards, a nation-wide event celebrating the country’s best curry houses.

“Noman’s an amazing chef, who is very passionate about food, so I’m delighted to have him here with us.”

Jay said the restaurant’s focus is on serving fantastic food, with fresh ingredients in a welcoming atmosphere.

They also want provide more affordable options, so every Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday the restaurant is offering a starter, main, vegetable side, rice and nan for £18.95 for those dining in.

The full menu and more information can be found on the restaurant website oliveloungeonline.co.uk