The family-owned restaurant business behind The Grand by Ikkayees has confirmed it has taken over the former House of Caesar building on Bold Street in Liverpool. The group, which started just over a decade ago, is also planning to open a new venue in Chester in February 2027.
Expansion across the North West
The business began after a group of college students were deeply affected by visits to a palliative care centre in Southeast Asia, where they met a six-year-old girl named Kulsu. Founder Fulaij Nelliyot, his brothers Shafrin and Muhammed Arafath, and friends Shibili Latheef and Prabeesh Kumar Krishna built the company around entrepreneurship and compassion.
Ikkayees opened on South Hunter Street in 2020, and the group has since launched several sister venues across Merseyside, including Indo Curry on County Road and Wraps and Shakes in Tuebrook. Towards the end of 2025, the group opened another venue inside Liverpool's Grade II-listed Victoria Building, which dates back to 1882.
Bold Street venue details
House of Caesar was opened in November 2025 by Mohamad Abbar, from Bootle, and design engineer Daniel Ball. The restaurant is based in a former Midland Bank building, which previously housed Maracana Sport Bar.
Prabeesh told the ECHO: "The response we received from the Liverpool community exceeded our expectations. Over the years, the loyalty of our customers, the recognition and awards we have received, and the encouragement the local community have given us the confidence to take our business forward."
Renovation and new dining concept
Prabeesh said extensive renovation work is underway to create a welcoming dining experience on Bold Street. He added: "Growing from a small 30-seat restaurant to a 120-seat venue is something we are incredibly proud of, and we recognise that none of this would have been possible without the continued trust and support of our customers."
The original South Hunter Street premises will remain but will become a dedicated pure vegetarian Indian fine-dining restaurant. Prabeesh said: "We believe this will bring a distinctive dining experience to Liverpool while allowing us to retain the location where our UK journey first began."
Future plans and menu
A new Ikkayees restaurant is scheduled to open in Chester in February 2027. Prabeesh said: "However, regardless of how far our brand grows, Liverpool will always remain special to us. It is the city that welcomed us, supported our first venture in the UK and gave us the confidence to believe in our ambitions."
The Ikkayees menu features a comprehensive exploration of Indian cuisine. The brand sent a team to traverse all 28 states of India, engaging with regional chefs to learn about diverse culinary practices. Guests can enjoy street food, aromatic biryanis, coastal seafood specialities and curries from both Northern and Southern India.
