Luthfur Rahman, is a trailblazing Restaurateur who has left an indelible mark on the culinary landscape for nearly 35 years.
As the visionary founder of ‘The Mint Room‘ an esteemed Indian restaurant hailed as the No.1 in the UK by The Times, Luthfur’s journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and the pursuit of excellence.
Originally hailing from East London, Luthfur’s path to success was paved with obstacles and trials. The journey began amidst a backdrop of racial discrimination and prejudice, an era when the echoes of Steven Lawrence’s tragic murder reverberated through the nation. Amidst adversity, Luthfur emerged as a beacon of positive change, contributing to changes that were reinforced in the law and making strides towards a more inclusive society.
Born to Bengali parents and raised in the vibrant streets of London’s East End, Luthfur yearned to escape the clutches of criminality that surrounded him. With unwavering determination, he set out to forge his own destiny, venturing into the world of entrepreneurship and pursuing his dream of owning a business.
After leaving school, he and two friends worked hard and saved money. When they had enough, they cast around for a part of the country where Indian restaurants were in short supply. They hit upon Yeovil in the southern part of Somerset.
In 1994, Luthfur and his two friends seized an opportunity and bought a property in Yeovil. They opened the Viceroy Tandoori, hoping to create a haven of exquisite Indian cuisine. However, the dream turned into a nightmare, as racist tensions loomed, leading to several attacks on the restaurant and eventually forcing its closure.
Yet, Luthfur’s spirit refused to be shattered. Undeterred by past adversity, he rose again like a phoenix from the ashes, and today, he stands as the proud owner of several restaurants, including the Bandook Restaurant, an ode to Indian street food, and the resounding success that is ‘The Mint Room,’ enchanting the palates of patrons in Bath and Bristol.
‘The Mint Room’ has become synonymous with daringly different, high-end dishes that fuse the finest British ingredients with the enchanting flair of Indian cuisine. With a keen sense of innovation, Luthfur’s culinary creations embody both traditional and modern elements, transcending boundaries and captivating diners’ senses.
Luthfur Rahman’s journey is a tale of inspiration, a testament to the power of perseverance and determination. From facing adversity and racist attacks to ascending to the pinnacle of culinary excellence, he has carved a path that celebrates diversity, culture, and the art of fine dining.
‘I am the unlucky one’ I said to the Consultant. I was sobbing away on my own with nobody to hold my hand or support me. Where did I go wrong? What had I done? I always helped everyone – young old, needy and desperate. So why did it have to be ME? I didn’t understand.
Research studies have validated that trauma experienced by our Ancestors can live on in our DNA thanks to epigenetic inheritance. Read my account of carrying intergenerational trauma from the partition of India and Pakistan here.
I am pleased to share my podcast with you. Expulsion@50 is an oral history project, created to raise awareness of the expulsion over 80,000 Asians
The first of the Trust’s projects is the South Asian Heritage Month (SAHM), which first took place in 2020 and runs from the 18th of July to the 17th of August each year.
SAHM seeks to commemorate, mark and celebrate South Asian cultures, histories, and communities.
It seeks to understand the diverse heritage and cultures that continue to link the UK with South Asia.
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