By Matthew Munson
The Ramsgate Tandoori is celebrating its 36th anniversary in November.
Owners Raushan Ara and husband Reza moved to Ramsgate and opened the Harbour Street restaurant in 1988.
During more than three decades of feeding residents and visitors to the town, the couple have also helped raise funds for good causes including East Kent Mencap, the RNLI, the Salvation Army, Pilgrims Hospices and Oasis Domestic Abuse Service.
Raushan, who is also a town and district councillor, said: “We have met so many people over the past 36 years.
“Many of our customers have become friends. We’ve been able to see people celebrate lots of special occasions in our restaurant, as well as just people just coming in to enjoy our excellent food.”
Raushan says many businesses face rising costs and rates and she thinks an increase in the VAT threshold would be helpful.
She said: “At times it has been a rollercoaster ride, with the constant fluctuations in the economy, especially for Ramsgate. Somehow over 36 years we have managed to keep going.
“The main issues facing small businesses are rising costs and rates. The increase in National Insurance that employers pay and the lowering of the VAT threshold will have a big impact on small businesses. We think that the VAT threshold should increase.
“A living wage is good for workers but at the same time small businesses need help in paying higher wages and that could come in the form of lower VAT, business rates and tax rates.
“There needs to be more done to make big corporations pay their fair share of taxes and more relief should be given to local small businesses and start-ups.
“Through our fundraising and community work we see how our small businesses can make a big difference to our community.
“What motivates us to carry on is the fundraising and community work we do through the restaurant. This is where we know we can make a difference.
“We really enjoy serving our local community and it is an amazing experience to see regular customers bringing their family, we have served three generations of customers at one table, being part of our customers special moments.
“I can’t imagine doing anything else, Ramsgate will always be a place close to my heart.”
To celebrate the anniversary, Ramsgate Tandoori is offering a 20% discount on all food dishes until further notice and a 10% discount on take-away orders over £15, with free home delivery.
The business will also take part in the celebrations for the Ramsgate Christmas Light Switch On, on Sunday 24th November, by offering an “eat as much as you like” buffet for £15 per person (drinks not included).
Raushan added: “We’re also introducing a new tapas night every Monday night. Our Tandoori dishes are still the favourites amongst our customers, but we also do a roaring trade in everything from Tikka Masala to Korma.
“We also have a specialist tandoori clay oven where we cook our naan bread and even make gluten-free bread with chickpea powder.”
For more information – including the full menu – visit the Ramsgate Tandoori’s website on www.theramsgatetandoori.co.uk, or call on 01843 589 134.
The restaurant is open six nights a week (closed Tuesday), from 5.30pm to 10.30pm.
Business and the Budget
In today’s [October 30] Autumn budget Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced employers’ national insurance contributions will rise by 1.2 percentage points to 15% from April.
The government will also reduce a secondary threshold when contributions are due from £9,100 to £5,000.
The government will increase personal tax thresholds on income tax and national insurance in line with inflation – but not until 2028-29.
The “national living wage”, the legal minimum for over-21s, will increase by 6.7% to £12.21ph, equivalent to £1,400 a year for an eligible full-time worker.
There will be a single-adult rate phased in over time top equalise pay for under-21s.
The government will introduce lower business rates for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses from 2026-27. Until then they will receive 40% relief on business rates up to a cap of £110,000.
If I order £360 of your food sure your want paying ?
Now she’s conned us into electing her she doesn’t give a damm! But she will rue this attitude at the next election! Get out ‘one term polly’!