A thriving new Tyneside restaurant was pleased to welcome a very special local VIP to officially launch their restaurant at the weekend.

Modern Indian eatery Jai Ho, of Ocean Road, South Shields, welcomed their current MP, Labour politician and Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, David Miliband, to formally cut the ribbon and declare the venue open. Mr Miliband, currently contesting his seat as part of the general election, has been the MP for South Shields since 2001, and takes a keen interest in all new business ventures in his constituency. Despite the undoubtedly heavy demands of his election campaign schedule, he made time to show his support for this fresh addition to the South Shields’ dining scene, a novel destination which has made a real impact on local restaurant goers in a very short space of time. 

Jai Ho is an Indian restaurant with a difference, having a unique contemporary interior and a similarly unique, exciting menu to match the distinctive surroundings. Opening its doors without any formal observance in September 2009, the venue has since gone from strength to strength in a few short months, attracting diners and takeaway lovers in equal measures and establishing an enviable reputation among customers who return again and again. The thriving restaurant is the brain child of local man and catering business entrepreneur, Khamal Hussain and his business partner Mo Miah. Mr Hussain is already the proud owner of two South Shields eateries; AK's Triple Diner takeaway, Whiteleas and the Logfire Pizza shop at Chichester. His family have worked in the catering trade here on Tyneside for three generations, and he intends to continue this tradition. Mr Hussain made his substantial investment with the aim of creating something different and special for patrons in his beloved home region. Even he admits he could not have predicted how quickly Jai Ho would make its mark.

“I hoped that the local diners would appreciate the unusual setting and the distinctive atmosphere that the venue could offer which would give them a new experience when eating out, but you really can’t be sure until you start trading that it will work out that way. Incredibly, we’ve had a better reception than we could have imagined, and have quickly built up a loyal client base who visit us regularly, as well as frequently attracting first time diners who are looking to eat somewhere different”.

“I am extremely pleased and feel quite honoured that Mr Miliband was able to attend and officially open Jai Ho. He is a significant figure here in the region and we were privileged to have him at our restaurant. It was a great night and we were extremely busy, but we all thoroughly enjoyed it.”