13 jobs created as new Indian restaurant spices up Headingley

Serial entrepreneur Alison White is spicing up Hedingley’s food offering with the opening of a new Indian restaurant.

Alison, who found success after launching a research company, initially opened her own café-deli, Whites, on Otley Road Headingley in 2014.

As her deli continues to grow year-on-year, Alison purchased a vacant shopfront on the same street.

The launch of Alison’s Indian restaurant has received financial supported via a Start Up Loan from the Business Enterprise Fund (BEF).

Alison said: “I looked at vacant property in the area and then decided what to do with it. I researched the people of Headingley and they were screaming for a good quality Indian restaurant. The area has been lacking one for over 20 years.”

For assistance in creating a menu, Alison collaborated with Michelin Star Indian chef Alfred Prasad.

With the launch of The Cat’s Pyjamas Indian Restaurant, Alison has created 13 new jobs, with aims to create more as there are further plans to open a second restaurant.

Alison added: “BEF were really easy and straightforward to work with, the loan was processed quickly and I immediately put it to work to open my restaurant.”

John Hall, BEF investment manager, concluded: “The Business Enterprise Funding has ignited a bustling business with huge potential.”