Stafford restaurant forced to shut in lockdown turns to takeaway breakfast service

Bangladeshi restaurant the Island Restaurant in Stafford has teamed up with Breakfast, Bagels and Pastries.

The chain set up in Belbroughton near Stourbridge and has now branched out into Stafford.

Mo Miah, manager of the Island Restaurant, said the chain had approached him about setting up at the restaurant as it was looking for a town centre location in Stafford.

He said: “They approached us and said they were looking around the Stafford area for a new base, and we jumped at the chance to host them.

"It’s been a real boost for us as they use the kitchen during the day when the restaurant is empty and bring new customers in.

“We had been hit by Covid, although we were still able to cover costs and break even, and this new business is really helping us to raise more funds.”

Mr Miah said the first day had been a real success, with more than 50 orders during the day and a batch of staff being brought in to run the service, with 10 people working on a rota basis.

He said: “It is things like the vegan bagels, pastries and cookies, which I don’t think anyone else is doing.”