Disaster has struck a restaurateur family in Perth for the second time in as many years.
Imran Mohammed should have been celebrating his restaurant, Nawaab winning Best Indian Establishment at the Food Awards Scotland earlier this month.
However, days after the glitzy awards night in Glasgow, the Indian eatery on South Methven Street was flooded by a burst pipe.
It comes only four months after popular takeaway Café Aladdin’s, owned by Mr Mohammed’s brother, reopened after a fire destroyed the building.
The takeaway on West Main’s Avenue was left in ruins after a huge blaze in September 2016, taking the family almost two years to reopen.
Following the water damage, Mr Mohammed hopes the restaurant can reopen for the new year.
He said: “It was fantastic to be recognised by the Food Awards Scotland but it was a night of mixed emotions.
“Normally any business would be taking advantage of winning a national award but we are looking at a major internal re-fit of the restaurant.
“It will be a bonus if we are able to re-open for customers this side of Christmas.
“The landlord’s insurance is dealing with it and they hope they can start work next week.
“The water mains in the building sprung a leak during the night and we found the entire restaurant, kitchen and back office under three inches of water when we came in.
“The place looked like a swimming pool and everything from the wooden floor to the cooking equipment has to be renewed.
“The restaurant will have to be stripped back to the bricks and concrete.”
Earlier this month, Perth and Kinross Council announced local businesses had shared in a £9 million summer bonanza after the city hosted a string of crowd-pulling events.
It comes after Perth was named Food Town of the Year at the Scottish Food Awards in May.
Now Mr Mohammed is concerned about missing out on the Christmas period – Perth’s busiest season.
He added: “It is so frustrating to miss out when there has been so much on the go in Perth.
“Now we are in danger of missing out on the build-up to Christmas, which is always busy. We are determined to bounce back, it’s just a question of trying to be patient.”
Cafe Aladdin’s reopened in April following the fire in 2016.
Fire units from across Tayside had raced to the scene after flames engulfed the building.
The blaze completely destroyed the roof and kitchen space, with a full makeover needed.
The takeaway moved into the Nawaab building, before returning to the rebuilt Cafe Aladdin.
