Tamatanga, an Indian restaurant chain operating in four UK cities, has reinstated cash as a payment option after customers objected to its card-only policy.
The company began as a single restaurant in Nottingham's Cornerhouse 18 years ago and now has locations in Birmingham, Leicester and Leeds, employing 200 people across the four sites.
Decision to Bring Back Cash
Founder and chief executive Aman Kular made the decision to return to accepting coins and notes, reversing the card-only policy that had been in place before the company's 18th anniversary celebrations.
Kular said: "Customers told us that paying in cash mattered to them, so we brought it back. Banking cash has become more difficult and costly, but we wanted to give our guests that choice."
About the Chain
Tamatanga is known for bringing Indian home cooking to the high street, stating on its website that they "use real homely recipes so our food tastes just like it does at home". The company says their kitchen teams "make all of our food from fresh, local ingredients every single day" with "no nasties, no additives and no shortcuts".
The chain adds staff grind spices by hand and "trust only the most expertly trained chefs to cook for you". Food is served as soon as it is ready, with no starters and mains, allowing diners to enjoy dishes as they arrive while having cocktails in the colourful interiors.
Dairy products are made by a Warwickshire dairy farm to the restaurant group's own recipes. The menu includes chaat, biriyani bowls, thali, small plates, and curries such as hot railway cabin lamb, homestyle chicken curry and the aubergine dish "Bangin' Baigan". They also offer signature tama chips, plus vegan and chocolate naan.
Anniversary Celebrations and Expansion
The group will add butter chicken chops to the menu from early November. To celebrate the 18th anniversary, customers signed up to the loyalty app will get their first drink free from a selected range of cocktails, mocktails and soft drinks when they order a main at any restaurant between now and Sunday, October 25.
A further expansion into the North West of England is also on the horizon, according to the Nottingham Post.
Kular said: "When we opened in Nottingham, we wanted to serve real Indian food in a place with energy and personality, where people could walk in and feel at home. Eighteen years on, we still have to earn our customers' loyalty every day. Our teams put so much into the restaurants, and our guests have supported us through every stage. This birthday is our chance to say thank you."
