THE Pathak family of Bolton - Britain's best-known Indian food manufacturers - have successfully curried favour with the Cheshire Set.

The owners of the world renowned Leigh-based firm have opened a bar specialising in tapas with an Indian flavour.

Coronation Street stars Simon Gregson and Michael le Vell were among nearly 200 guests for the launch of the Saffron Bar in Hale.

The new bar has opened following the success of the Saffron Lounge restaurant in Hale, and is run by Neeraj Pathak, eldest son of Pataks Foods owners Kirit and Meena Pathak.

The team has imported chef Rajesh Variyath, from India's five-star hotel group Oberoi.

Neeraj Pathak said: "The result is an exciting range of Indian and Pan Asian tapas-style dishes ideally suited to the bar's stylish but relaxed atmosphere."

Kirit and Meena Pathak are now said to be worth £51 million.

The couple are in 43rd place in the Sunrise Radio Asian Rich List, the official national index of the 300 wealthiest Asians in Britain.