AN INDIAN restaurant has reopened after an extensive refurbishment and is celebrating by hosting a week of fundraising evenings for charity.

Jathra in Lostock Gralam, which underwent a 10-week revamp, has been welcoming back customers to the new look restaurant since September 8. 

As part of the makeover, the Manchester Road eatery now boasts a covered outdoor dining area, a new-look bar, and a whole new street food menu alongside its classic restaurant and takeaway menus.

And to celebrate, the restaurant has been providing free food to customers each day this week, in exchange for donations to the day's nominated charity.

Jathra’s marketing and operations manager, Steph Hutchinson, said: “It is important for us to support local charities rather than local branches of national charities.

"We want to know the funds are being used in our community."

Northwich Guardian: Left to right: Sajjadur Malik (Jathra owner), Mandy Shaw (St. Luke's Hospice), Steph Hutchinson (marketing and operations manager, Jathra), Angela Slack (St. Luke's Hospice) Saikul Islam (restaurant manager)Left to right: Sajjadur Malik (Jathra owner), Mandy Shaw (St. Luke's Hospice), Steph Hutchinson (marketing and operations manager, Jathra), Angela Slack (St. Luke's Hospice) Saikul Islam (restaurant manager) (Image: Jathra)

The first event was held on Monday, September 12, and raised £1,410 for Tails Animal Rescue in Northwich.

Three other local charities are set to benefit: St Luke’s Hospice; childhood cancer charity The Joshua Tree; and sensory play centre and social cafe Tiny Steps.

The charities are inviting stakeholders, beneficiaries, volunteers and members of the wider public to their own special event.

Northwich Guardian: The new bar area at JathraThe new bar area at Jathra (Image: Steph Hutchinson)

​The week of celebrations at the restaurant will end on Friday with a re-launch party, featuring a DJ and Bollywood-style dancing, which is open to all and free to attend.

Steph added: “The uptake so far has surpassed expectations, with 210 to 250 diners each night. We’ve raised £1,513 for St Luke’s and £1,410 for Tails. We were aiming for £1,000.”

Northwich Guardian: Amy Wilkinson and Kate Deakin-Hanlon, from The Joshua Tree, at JathraAmy Wilkinson and Kate Deakin-Hanlon, from The Joshua Tree, at Jathra (Image: Jathra)

Mandy Shaw, St Luke’s community partnerships fundraiser, said: “It was a great night for the Hospice, full of great food and we’d like to thank the staff, owner and everyone who donated at Jathra for supporting the hospice.

"Your donations will help to continue the care and support of patients and their families here at St Luke’s."