A new manager has taken over a long-running Indian restaurant after wanting to take on a challenge.

Shahjahan Shah took over Darchini Restaurant on Bradshaw Road in Turton last month and comes with more than 40 years of experience in the hospitality industry.

He says while education has always been his passion, working in the industry is a way for him to give back to the community.

He said: “It’s very exciting and I want to do my best and I love a good challenge.

“In the food industry you can’t go wrong, and the support from the communities is why I stayed.

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“It can be up and down, but it has still continued as an industry.

“I love the hospitality sector.

“Education has always been my passion, but hospitality allows me to give back to the community and also create jobs and make a difference in the community.”

Darchini started off as a family business and quickly became a popular place in the area, and for those outside of it.

The restaurant prides itself on providing authentic Indian cuisine that transports diners to the bustling streets of Mumbai or the vibrant markets of Delhi.

The Bolton News: He said: “It’s been a great place for food for those in the area, and outside of it.

“People travelled to come here, and there is a lot of connection to this places.

“I wanted to keep the continuous service going for the local community, because it was up and down since Covid, and it changed management a few times.

“Nobody took a chance, but I wanted to.”

The restaurant’s function room has already benefited from a complete refurbishment, which can now have up to 40 people in.

One of Shahjahan’s plans for the future includes changing the name of the restaurant to Soho Spice after some confusion surrounding the name in the past.

The Bolton News: The restaurant will also launch their "Mega Kitchen" which aims to support local groups and schools.

Shajahan has spent 30 years helping charities, and has previously worked with Bolton Lions, and the Rotary Club.

The opening times have also changed to 4.30 to 10pm from Mondays to Fridays 4.30pm to 10pm, and from 2pm to 10pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

There will also be a new early bird menu from 5pm to 7pm from Mondays to Thursdays, and from 2pm to 5pm on Sundays.

If you have a story and something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at jasmine.jackson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @JournoJasmine.