The co-owner of a popular restaurant has described his shock after a car crashed into his restaurant over the weekend.

Emergency services were called after a car crashed into Aayan’s restaurant on Old Road at around 2pm on Saturday.

The woman who was driving had to be cut out of the car.

Ihsan Ullah, chef and co-owner of Aayan’s, said that the damage was not bad enough to close the restaurant but business was hurt by people thinking they would be closed.

(Image: Newsquest)

He said: “A lot of people suspected we were actually closed. We normally have busy weekends, but due to the incident fewer people came in through the doors.

“People suspected that we had closed due to the incident.”

On most Saturdays, the restaurant opens at half four, but due to the crash they weren’t able to open until half six, pushing reservations back.

The car, which crashed into the garden, caused the water pipes to burst, which were fixed at the scene, and damaged the AC unit.

Once the water pipes were fixed and the police cordon removed, Aayan’s was able to open as usual.

READ MORE: Belles of Bolton on the move to Market Place Centre

READ MORE: Heartbreak as Kearsley mum-of-four dies on family holiday

READ MORE: Arrests made as man injured in Tottington Road 'disturbance'

The AC unit will be fixed this week, but because of the time of year, its loss hasn’t affected the restaurant.

Mr Ullah said of the crash: “Honestly, I was very shocked to see it. It’s the first time we have witnessed this sort of incident.

“We are lucky all our staff are safe and we hope the driver of the car has a safe recovery.”

Ayaan's was crowned as the “Best Asian Restaurant - North West” at the Asian Restaurant Awards 2024 in August.

The incident comes less than a month after the restaurant celebrated its third anniversary with an extravagant launch party.

Fire crews, including a technical response team were called, and used curing equipment to remove the woman from the car.

She was taken to hospital and a route into Asda was closed by police.

Greater Manchester Police declined to comment on the incident.