Chopsticks for Local Restaurant

By The Black Balaclava

Whilst Eastleigh’s retail units have struggled and fought hard to stay open during the economic crisis, another unit has fallen victim to the slump in consumer spending.

The Oriental Palace restaurant, which forms part of the Swan Centre in Wells Place, has closed up shop without warning after undergoing a management and name change. Formally known as Chopsticks, the eatery could cater for eighty guest during a evenings sitting.

After recently being taken over by Mr Nazrul Islam, the rebranded business undertook a large advertising campaign to attract new custom with promises that a new menu would be free from added MSG (monosodium glutamate). MSG, is the sodium salt of glutamic acid, one of the most abundant naturally occurring non-essential amino acids, which is used to enhance flavour in cooking but fears about its safety have forced some food manufactures to decrease its use or remove it altogether.

It is understood that the restaurant had taken bookings for Christmas office parties and that Mr Islam is now unable to be contacted to discuss what arrangements will be made for those that have pre-paid for festive meals.

In the last few weeks Dawkins Bailiffs of Surrey, have entered the premises and have taken possession of the building, its fixtures and fittings. A typed note is now on display in the door window that greats unsuspecting customers which reads, “Under the terms and conditions of your lease we as authorised agents acting on behalf of the landlord have this day re-entered these premises and the lease is hereby determined.” The notice goes on to warn that any attempt by Mr Islam to re-enter the property will result in criminal proceedings.

Sadly, this looks to be a continuing trend in the town, as more and more business owners consider the future of trying to make a living from retail units in Eastleigh, which has seen the weekly market that is held in the precinct on Leigh Road, shrink in size from over fifty traders to less than thirteen in recent weeks.  This added with increased and additional parking charges on Sunday’s, has seen shoppers in the town dwindle at an alarming rate.

ITV news recently ran a story about the failing fortunes of Eastleigh Town retailers, which can be seen here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRhOGObIam8