Two friends and business partners have achieved their dream of opening a second restaurant together.
Amit Banik, 41, and Nanu ‘Jay’ Miah, 45, have long-harboured ambitions to unveil another eatery – but were waiting for the right venue to come up.
Amit Banik (left) and Nanu ‘Jay’ Miah are the owners of new restaurant West Bengal. Picture: My Tenterden
The pair, who have ran The Old School House in Hamstreet, near Ashford, for four years, say they “jumped at the chance” to launch their new venture in Tenterden town centre.
West Bengal is an Indian and Bangladeshi restaurant based in West Cross, replacing the unit formerly home to Badsha Indian Cuisine.
With curries, biryanis, and a variety of rice-based dishes on the menu, Mr Banik, from Bromley, believes it is another string to the bow of successful businesses in the town.
He told KentOnline: “We’ve heard a lot of good stuff about Tenterden as a community and we’ve received some really good support so far.
“I believe if you look after a town then it will look after you, and we just want to make people happy with our food.
“Jay and I have known each other for about eight years and we have a good bond and understand each other very well.
“We don’t need to explain what we need to do and when as there’s great teamwork between the two of us.
West Bengal has 10 members of staff. Picture: Kayleigh Brunger-Randall
“It’s been a dream of ours to open a second restaurant together, but it hasn’t been easy.
“We couldn’t find the best place, and it’s not just the mentality you need but the finances as well.
“Tenterden has a lot of history and we jumped at the chance to open here. The restaurant has been closed for a little while now so the town needs it.
“I used to live in West Wickham and the high street is dying day-by-day, but with so many businesses alive here the town will also be alive.”
West Bengal has 45 covers and 10 staff on the books following the pals’ £50,000 investment.
West Bengal had a busy opening night. Picture: My Tenterden
“We’ve got a good set-up here and we can replicate what we’re doing in Hamstreet,” said Mr Miah, who has been working in the hospitality industry for almost three decades.
“My father used to own Indian restaurants and takeaways all his life but when he died a few years ago, I decided I wanted to do something similar myself.
“Tenterden is a town but it’s more like a village and I’m finding out it’s quite close-knit with everyone knowing each other, and that’s why we’re loving it so far.”
Among those to have already visited the restaurant is Tenterden resident and town councillor, Sue Ferguson.
She said: “It’s fantastic to see they’ve come in and taken it on.
West Bengal is the newest addition to Tenterden town centre
“The reputation of the previous restaurant wasn’t good and it’s wonderful to have a fresh, clean start under new owners.”
Badsha Indian Cuisine was stripped of its licence in June 2025.
It came after the Home Office’s Immigration Enforcement team submitted evidence to Ashford Borough Council of a string of immigration offences.
These included treating illegal workers like “terrified slaves” and ignoring £120,000 of fines.
Dining and Cooking