The Bombay Cottage in Scotgate, Stamford celebrates 30 years

An Indian restaurant owner is celebrating 30 years of dishing up delight to the community.

It has been three decades since Habib Rahman, owner of The Bombay Cottage, first visited Stamford and fell in love with the town.

He saw that a building was up for sale in Scotgate and immediately had a vision to create his own Indian restaurant.

Habib said: “It was a slow start as we were new in the town and it took a couple of years to get things moving but now we are serving a third generation of people.

“We love Stamford as it is a close-knit community.”

The most important part of owning a business for Habib is his loyal customers, who he says have supported him through the recession in 2007, pandemic and cost of living crisis.

Habib said: “It is a great feeling knowing you are wanted in the town and are part of the community.

“It makes you feel very loved.”

In the 30 years The Bombay Cottage has been in Stamford, Habib and his team have seen many changes to the town including its expansion.

While some businesses come and go, Habib believes that restaurants and the tourist industry are the key to Stamford’s success.

Moving to the Lincolnshire town from Small Heath, Birmingham in 1993 was a big change for Habib.

“From a big town which was densely populated to this nice market town of Stamford, you can’t help but fall in love,” he said.

“It is so vibrant and everyone has time to say hello.”

This year Habib was also elected on to Stamford Town Council and South Kesteven District Council.

To celebrate The Bombay Cottage’s anniversary, throughout June Habib and his team will be offering complimentary prosecco to customers.