THE man who opened Haydon Bridge’s first ever Indian takeaway – in the year 2000 – has returned to revive it.

The tasty takeaway ran continuously from the ground floor of the Oddfellows’ Hall for 16 years, before closing down last September.

But Oli Choudhury, who launched the business with his late uncle Salick in the Millennium year, has opened its doors once again.

The experienced businessman and chef explained how circumstances changed when his uncle retired over a decade ago.

He said: “We took on the premises back then, and it was a success because the villagers were pleased to have a tandoori takeaway on the doorstep.

“A lot of people will remember my uncle. He was front of house while I was behind the scenes in the kitchen.

“But he retired and then, unfortunately, he died about six years ago.”

“The family retained ownership of the premises, but we let it out to other people who came in and ran it as a Tandoori.

“Sadly it closed last year, so I decided to come back. I want everyone to know that I am back, and that the Tandoori is back in its original hands.”

Originally from Bangladesh, Oli moved to the North-East in 1995, and ran the Undal curry house in Tynemouth.

He had previously spent seven years working for Hilton Hotels in Abu Dhabi.

The takeaway now operates a delivery service , while customers can also order meals online.

As well as a full Tandoori menu, the takeaway also offers pizzas and kebabs.

Oli is joined by chefs Angjob Ali and Wahadur Rahaman, while Callum Gilholm is a general assistant.