Burgess Hill restaurant owner eager to reopen after lifting of lockdown restrictions

Mustak Miah, of Flavour on Keymer Road, said that the past 12 months have been challenging and thanked his customers for continuing to support him.

He said: “Restaurant dining was closed in the first and second lockdown, however the takeaway and free home delivery was very busy.”

But Mustak also said business had dropped ‘significantly’ during the third lockdown and that many restaurateurs in Sussex had seen this as well.

“This could be due to a lot of chain restaurants being open this time round,” he said, adding that people might also be spending less as the cost of the pandemic becomes clearer.

Mustak praised the ‘fantastic’ support available from the government, including discretionary grants, business support packages and the furlough scheme.

“Mid Sussex District Council have been very quick on releasing the funds, which means a small family business like ours can keep going,” he added.

Mustak also thanked NHS staff for their hard work and highlighted the importance of getting the Covid-19 vaccine.

“The Covid jab is the only way out of this pandemic,” he said.

“Millions of people have now taken the Covid-19 vaccine and people will feel more confident to go out again and meet up with friends once the lockdown is lifted,” he said.

“The infection rates are continuously dropping across the United Kingdom,” he added.

“Hopefully there is a light at the end of the tunnel.”

Mustak opened his first Indian restaurant in Bath in 1996, before moving to Burgess Hill in 2001 and opening Flavour in 2009.

Click here to find out more about Flavour Indian restaurant.