New Indian is part of town's regeneration

Managing director of Indian restaurant Neelagiree, Rex Oustine Jose

Hot on the heels of the recent opening of 1915 Bar & Bistro on Domine Lane, Indian eatery Neelagiree, has now opened just around the corner on Westgate.

The 130-cover restaurant serves a variety of regional Indian dishes , from Keralan fish curry to masala dosa.

Neelagiree is the latest venture of local company PRSL and, since opening last month, managing director, Rex Oustine Jose, said: “I felt that there was a great opportunity here as the town centre is lacking a similar restaurant offering such a variety of Indian dishes.

“We decided it was an ideal time to take up the challenge and contribute towards the efforts being undertaken by the council’s regeneration team to increase footfall.

“Westgate was the perfect location and we’re hoping it will give a boost to the evening economy, as well as adding to the wide variety of lunchtime eateries that can be enjoyed by the people who live and work here,” he added.

Rotherham Council has supported the venture with business and marketing advice as it looks to improve the town centre.

Cabinet member for jobs and the local economy, Coun Denise Lelliott, added: “Following the recent opening of 1915 Bar and Bistro, it’s a sign that the town’s night-time economy is on the up.”

From Indian, to Italian.

Customers at Nonnas on Ecclesall Road are providing a lifeline to an to an earthquake-hit farming family on the outskirts of Amatrice in Italy.

Some £3,000 raised by Nonnas’ recent appeal is being used to fund a stable for the farm’s animals – seen as a priority as the renowned cheesemaking family desperately tries to start to rebuilding their lives.

The restaurant donated £1 from every single pasta dish sold throughout last September and Nonnas proprietor Maurizio Mori performed an Elvis show to raise money.

Sheffield restaurants are also offering special deals for families during the half term break this week.

The Milestone, as well as its sister restaurants Craft and Dough on Campo Lane, in Kelham Island and on Ecclesall Road, between noon and 7pm up until this Friday February 24. Under 16s must be with an adult and bookings are required.

The Street City food festival also returns to Ecclesall Road and has a carnival theme, with fire eaters, jugglers and circus classes.