Oxford curry house with branch in Bristol shuts down

The curry house occupied a large space in Park End Street and was trading until December 31, according to its managers.

It now appears that the interior is being demolished.

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There is also a branch in Bristol.

A member of staff at the Bristol restaurant said: "There was some problem with the building, which is now going to be refurbished - the landlord wanted to do something with the building.

"We were doing a fantastic job - the whole team has been transferred.

"We closed on December 31 - it has closed permanently."

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The chain's website says: "All the flavours, colours and dazzle of Delhi is signified by one individual monument that stands proud on the outside walls of 4500, the tum tum vehicle – injecting some of the hustle and bustle of every day life in Delhi.

"An open ‘theatre’ kitchen ensures that the aromas and sounds of spicy cooking are never far away - clients waiting for meals can watch our own authentic chefs from Delhi as they work."

It adds: "Not just another ‘up market’ Indian restaurant, quite literally 4500 Miles from Delhi, the restaurant offers diners an ingenious fusion of Asian herbs, spices, fresh meat and vegetables.

"Styled to suit the taste of the municipal connoisseurs, 4500 Miles from Delhi is the ideal spot from which to commence or complete the perfect evening.

"We have created a place that is relaxing and comfortable."

Japanese restaurant Sushimania, around the corner from the Indian restaurant, has also closed permanently.

One diner who visited in November gave 4500 Miles in Oxford a five-star review on Tripadvisor.

The reviewer said: "This is a really good Indian restaurant. The food is not your standard Indian restaurant stuff, it's definitely better. The service is good, and it's a huge place with lots of tables.

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"It's surprisingly inconspicuous. I must have walked past it hundreds of times without noticing it. It's on my usual walking route into the city centre, and it's been open 17 years, but I only realised last week that I've walking past an Indian restaurant. It doesn't help that its sign "4500 miles from Delhi" is in a hard-to-read font with a Chinese appearance."

But another diner, who visited in December, only gave it two stars on Tripadvisor, saying: "A party of eight of us visited this restaurant - it was pre-booked.

"The service was nothing other than diabolical. Our mains took about an hour to come and even then it come in dribs and draps. One of our dishes come near the end of our meal. We asked for water about four times. A real struggle. The waiters just fobbed us off to each other."

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This story was written by Andy Ffrench, he joined the team more than 20 years ago and now covers community news across Oxfordshire.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Andy.ffrench@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter @OxMailAndyF