The popular South Methven Street eatery, which specialises in Nepalese and Indian cuisine, starred on a memorable evening
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Perth’s Everest Inn restaurant sits at the summit of Scotland after toasting double delight at a national awards ceremony.
The popular South Methven Street eatery, which specialises in Nepalese and Indian cuisine, starred on a memorable evening at the Scottish Curry Awards 2022.
Celebrations started when they were announced as Curry Restaurant of the Year for Central Scotland.
But more success was just moments away and, soon, the Everest Inn was crowned the country’s overall winner.
Owner Bhola Khanal was over the moon and admits picking up both awards at the Glasgow Marriott Hotel on June 13 came as a wonderful surprise.
The awards played host to the crème de la creme of restaurants and takeaways from across Scotland and welcomed 350 guests for a celebration of the industry.
Bhola firstly made sure to thank all of his loyal customers and also his staff – including manager Raj Dangi and chefs Dhurba Bhusal and Ramesh Giri – for their continuing hard work.
“We are planning a celebration, maybe with a glass of wine or a beer,” Bhola smiled.
“People have been giving us congratulations. It was a big surprise and a very happy moment.
“We want the customers to come in and receive the best food and service.
“We continually try our best and gradually we are getting better and better. Our chefs are doing very well.
“We are very proud but still there is more work.”
The Everest Inn opened its city centre restaurant back in 2014 and has helped to bring a vibrant taste of “Nepalese culinary art” to the region.
Bhola and his team have served up a treat for both locals and visitors with their “stylish fine dining” experience coupled with friendly and attentive service.
While the Covid-19 pandemic proved a difficult time for businesses across the country, the Everest Inn remained determined to come out of the other side stronger.
Loyal customers have continued to support the restaurant and Bhola is very grateful for that.
“Because of the situation, businesses were not surviving very well,” Bhola said.
“We were very careful during the lockdown. Perth is a small place and there were not too many tourists during Covid.
“There were not many walk-in customers, just the local ones.
“More than 90 per cent of our customers are local and we have many regulars.
“They know us very well, know our food and deserve to come here and have special Nepalese cuisine.”
The Scottish Curry Awards, organised by Oceanic Consulting, was a much-anticipated event where winners were a “true reflection of quality and customer service” as they are chosen by members of the general public.
The awards recognised the hard work, determination, impeccable service and efforts of the best Scottish curry establishment and professionals that create and serve delicious dishes at an excellent standard.
Irfan Younis, CEO of Oceanic Consulting, said: “We are honoured and delighted to have such great finalists and winners representing the Scottish curry industry and enhancing its reputation nationally and internationally.
“We were very happy to welcome the guests and celebrate with them. Congratulations to all finalists and winners.”
The Everest Inn will, in the not too distant future, mark 10 years of business in Perth.
And Bhola said: “I think we will bring many customers together for a celebration.”