Award-winning Sudha Saha has chosen Bedford for his latest project, collaborating with business owner Badrul Islam in joining the team Blue Monk as head chef. Recognised by both the Michelin and Hardens Guides, the acclaimed chef is part of the opening team for the brand-new venture, which opens in the heart of Bedford on Monday 18 November.
Located at 19-21 High Street, Blue Monk specialises in Nepalese and Indian cuisine in one of the town’s oldest buildings. The 58-cover restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner daily, with a takeaway and delivery service every evening.
The restaurant’s head chef Sudha Saha is one of the UK’s most celebrated chefs and has won a host of industry awards, being recognised by both the Michelin and Hardens Guides. He works tirelessly to innovate through Indian cuisine and is best-known for his role as Executive Head Chef at Saffron Restaurant Group, which had three restaurants across the West Midlands. The restaurant achieved an AA Rosette and was awarded ‘Best Restaurant of the Year – Midlands’ in the Good Food Guide 2010; a legacy that Sudha continues today.
Bringing Sudha’s progressive Indian style to Bedford, Blue Monk’s menu boasts traditional cuisine alongside a host of impressive signature dishes. From the Murgh Makhanwala (tandoor cooked coquelet with wild mushroom and truffle oil infused kedgeree and a makhni sauce) and the Esa Jhol (tiger prawns cooked with spinach, black pepper, green chillis and tama sauce), to the Seafood Moilee (prawns, halibut and scallops with dosa potato and spinach gateaux), Sudha Saha has crafted a menu that offers something for everyone.
Speaking about the new opening, Sudha said: “I am so excited to have joined the team at Blue Monk, a restaurant that has ambitions to do great things here in Bedford. We have worked hard to craft a menu that offers something for every occasion; whether you’re looking for a light lunch at work, a traditional family meal, or a celebration with a difference, we’re using the finest and most authentic ingredients in our recipes. I can’t wait to open the doors and welcome people in!”
Blue Monk is being opened by brothers Badrul and Jay Islam, who have a wealth of experience in the restaurant industry. Speaking ahead of the opening, Badrul comments:
“We’ve created something really special with Blue Monk; a restaurant that we hope the town is proud to have here. Paying homage to the history of the stunning building, the interior is bold yet with an elegant finish and our service, of course, welcoming to everyone. We have an amazing team with Jay managing front of house and securing Sudha Saha as head chef is such a coup; he’s so well-respected in the industry and we’re delighted to have him and his vision on board. We look forward to opening those doors on Monday and welcoming you all in.”
Blue Monk opens this coming Monday 18 November and bookings are now open; simply call 01234 219 095 to make a reservation. You can also follow the restaurant on Facebook and Instagram: @bluemonkbedford.
