Gopal Adhikari, a 45-year-old father who originally planned only a temporary stay in Liverpool, has built a £300,000 restaurant business in the picturesque village of Burscough. He now owns two neighbouring restaurants, Gurkha Village and Baja Mexican Restaurant, after making the city his 'second home'.
From Trekking Guide to Restaurateur
Adhikari moved to the UK in 2003 after Nepal's civil war devastated tourism, leaving him without enough work as a mountain trekking guide. 'I wasn't a climbing guide, but I took groups on high-altitude trekking routes, often up to around 5,000 metres. There was fighting between the Maoists and the government, and there were very few visitors. I decided I needed to leave the country,' he told the Liverpool Echo.
His original plan was to improve his English, study business, and return to Nepal. However, life took a different direction. Despite opportunities in Japan and China, he chose Liverpool because of his love for Liverpool FC. He studied English at Liverpool Community College and later Business Administration at London Metro City College.
Building Skills in Liverpool's Kitchens
While studying, Adhikari worked in various kitchens, including Thai, Mexican, and European restaurants, and as a chef in a care home. These jobs gave him experience with many cuisines. 'I have always loved cooking. Even when I was a trekking guide, I would often go into the kitchens at the mountain lodges and cook meals for my clients using fresh local ingredients,' he said.
He started as a kitchen porter and worked his way up to head chef at several Liverpool venues, including The Tea Factory Bar & Kitchen, Amber Wine Bar, and the Hard Days Night Hotel. In 2009, he became the head chef who opened La Parrilla on South Road.
Opening His Own Restaurants
Adhikari opened his first restaurant, Baja Mexican, on Edge Lane in Liverpool, though he admits it wasn't the best location. He later sold the site in 2025. Today, Baja Mexican and Gurkha Village operate just a few feet apart in Burscough. He invested around £150,000 in each business.
'I had always planned to open more than one restaurant, but building a business isn't easy. There were language barriers and many other challenges,' he explained. After finding a unit in Ormskirk, he initially planned to reopen Baja there but changed his mind due to the growing popularity of Nepalese food.
Community Support and Family Success
'Business is going well, and now it's about continuing to build our customer base. The local community has been incredibly welcoming, and people have really embraced both restaurants. It's a beautiful village and it feels like everything has come together. I am incredibly proud,' Adhikari said.
His eldest son, 23, attended Blue Coat School, completed a master's degree, and is now studying for a PhD. His younger son attends Calday Grange Grammar School and helps in the restaurants while studying for A-levels.
Future Plans
With both restaurants on a strong foundation, Adhikari hopes to return to Liverpool city centre with a new concept combining Nepalese and Mexican cuisine. 'Liverpool has become my home. Whenever I travel around the UK, I still think Liverpool is one of the friendliest cities. People here have always been supportive, from my colleagues to my customers, and that's one of the reasons I've stayed,' he said.
'I'd love to find a site in Liverpool city centre and create something unique. Some people tell me I'd be competing with myself by running both concepts, but I don't see it that way. It's about giving customers more choice.'
