Member Article

Young restaurateur opens Whitley Bay curry and cocktail house

After more than 20 years working in restaurants across the North East, Liverpool and London, Kamrul Hussain (Kami) has achieved his dream of opening a Whitley Bay venue dedicated to fine cocktails and curry.

Launching Shampan, based on Whitley Road, Kami has created 14 jobs in the area after refurbishing the site previously occupied by the Old Pane Vino Italian Restaurant.

He said: “I’m really keen to attract more people into Whitley Bay but there isn’t really anything for adults in the town who want to go for a relaxing drink without loud music playing.

“We’re seeing lots of couples coming in to sample our delicious cocktail menu, which includes the house special Shampan Cocktail - a mix of Malibu, rum, passion fruit, mango and pineapple juice. We also have a great selection on non-alcoholic cocktails too.”

Kami owned the Spice Bag takeaway in Whitley Bay before opening Shampan and hopes the venue’s cocktail lounge will provide the destination with a standout twist.

Kami said: “Opening Shampan wasn’t just about me achieving my dream, it’s about Whitley Bay and bringing people into the town.

“We’ve already had diners from across the North East, visitors from Scotland and we’re building up a great group of regulars, both in the restaurant and the cocktail lounge.”

Kami says the restaurant brings his 20 years’ experience in the industry in a menu that’s packed with classic Indian dishes and chefs’ specials.

Meals include the signature Bangladeshi Shampan Handi lamb, or staff curry - a delicious dish of lamb on the bone slowly cooked over two hours with onions, garlic, ginger and a secret mix of spices.

“We’re offering the best Indian cuisine, with a menu lovingly created with authentic flavours from the rich culinary heritage of the Indian subcontinent.

“We’re catering for everyone - whether you want a lounge table for a few bottles of bubbly, fabulous cocktails and sharing platters, or want to reserve a table for a business lunch or family get together.

“We’ve worked hard to get Shampan right and turn it into a real destination restaurant with a buzzing atmosphere.”