Huddersfield restaurant owners sell up after 30 years leaving customers 'gutted'

Customers of a popular Huddersfield restaurant have been left 'gutted' after the highly regarded owners announced their decision to move on after 30 years. Laxmi, an upmarket

Indian restaurant at Berry Brow, won awards for its food and was a big part of the lives of many people who called in from far and wide over many years. The family-owned restaurant's

final day of opening was earlier this month. A new Indian restaurant is expected to be opening soon, possibly in June, and it will have a new name. The premises is currently undergoing some

refurbishment. Chanda and Anita Bhalla, the husband and wife team behind Laxmi, said they decided to sell the business as they needed 'time out' after working 'non-stop'

as hands-on owners for almost 30 years. Chanda said they have been left feeling 'very emotional' at the outpouring of kind and supportive comments from customers since they decided

it was time to move on. "We are sad," said Chanda. "Because of the customer support we have had. If it wasn't for the customers we wouldn't have been there.

It's always about the customers." Anita said the customers had been loyal. "They stuck with us. Two recessions and Covid, they stuck with us and kept us going and we would not

be there without their support." Chanda said he was sure the new owner would do very well as he was experienced and had a number of other restaurants. In a notice to customers, Laxmi

said: "After 30 years of trading at Laxmi Huddersfield we have the decision with a very heavy heart to take some time out. A new Indian restaurant is going to take over and will be

opening soon. We would like to thank all our amazing customers for being part of our Laxmi journey." Customers said they would miss Chanda and Anita's hospitality and expressed

appreciation for all their hard work. One woman wrote: "After so many amazing years, today marks the closing of a special chapter - and I can’t help but feel so proud and emotional.

"I had the privilege not just to eat there, but to work alongside Anita and Chanda, and see up close the heart, hustle, and love they put into everything. It was more than a restaurant

- it was a community, a family, and a place that brought people together. Thank you for the memories, the meals, and the lessons. You built something unforgettable—and I can’t wait to see

what comes next for you both. Love you always." Another posted: "So sorry to see you go after eating your delicious food over the past 40 odd years (since Dunford Road)! Definitely

a family favourite and one we will sorely miss." One customer wrote: "Such sad news! Absolutely love the restaurant and all the staff are so friendly. Thanks for all the beautiful

meals and the memories.. All the very best." One woman wrote: "Oh gosh my favourite ever restaurant - the beautiful food! We will miss you! You have earned a rest though - and we

wish you the best for the future! So many happy memories at Laxmi." Another customer said: "Absolutely gutted Anita you and the team will be missed." A former member of staff

said: "What an end of an era! You have both been in my life for so many years now, my first waitressing job back in about 1998! Oh what fun we had!" _GET ALL THE LATEST WHAT’S ON

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