Asian restaurants near tube stations have been urged to take advantage of the all-night London Underground services.
Asian Catering Federation (ACF) Chairman Yawar Khan suggested some restaurants could rethink their business model ahead of the extension of through the night trains to include the Northern, Jubilee and Piccadilly lines.
He also called on restaurants to offer lighter, healthier options, and suggested Asian restaurants could spearhead a revival of the kedgeree breakfast, made with haddock, eggs and lightly spiced rice.
“Many restaurants open every lunchtime, but rarely see a customer because of a lack of demand or the failure to offer lighter, less spicy dishes preferred at midday,” said Khan. “They would do better by opening later at night or offering breakfast.”
London Major Sadiq Kahn introduced the through-the-night Underground service on August 16.
More than 50,000 Londoners a night are reportedly taking advantage of 24-hour Victoria and Central line service.
“There’s no point is hiring more staff and just staying open – restaurant owners need to plan any change in opening hours and promote themselves effectively,” Yawar Khan added.
“The market for post pub closing time curry has long gone, as younger customers consume less alcohol and eat healthier foods, than their parents’ generation.”
The remarks came ahead of the ACF’s Asian Curry Awards ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel on Sunday October 23.
