Ashleys Indian restaurant The Tything to become 'takeaway only'

Staff at Ashleys in The Tything said the news brought them 'immense sadness' and a 'heavy heart'.

They now hope to build on the popular takeaway and delivery side of the business as eating habits have changed. 

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The restaurant has been under the same management for the last 16 years but has a history dating back another 16 years.

Diners will no longer be able to sit down for a meal from Monday, February 27.

ATMOSPHERE: Ashleys in The Tything will close the restaurant but remain open for takeaways and deliveries (Image: Ashleys, The Tything)

The change has been blamed partially on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, rising costs for the business, the ability to recruit and retain staff with the level of skill required and more people preferring to eat at home.

A comments book has also been left so customers can share their memories of the restaurant which has served customers for around 30 years in total.

However, it will continue to function as a base for the takeaway and delivery service.

Monwar Khandokas, manager between 2007 and 2022, wrote on Facebook: "It is with immense sadness and a heavy heart that we write this message.

"Words cannot express how hard it was to come to this decision, and a number of reasons have made this the only viable option for us so that we could continue to provide the excellent service and high-quality food you have come to expect, which is the standard we have always held ourselves to.

"Predominantly since COVID 19, we have found that a number of factors changed which have not been temporary, and this and subsequent matters have directly impacted the food industry, and of course the world at large.

"It has become increasingly difficult to find and retain quality staff, with smaller numbers every year choosing the food service industry as a career path.

"In this time, customer habits have changed, and stay-at-home is ever more popular with fewer people going out.

"As you are aware, in the most difficult of circumstances we have fought to keep our prices down despite exponentially rising costs across the board. We have managed this by investing heavily in price protection during Covid, then during the ensuant cost of living crisis and the Ukraine/Russia war which endures.

"It is within this highly challenging environment and after so much thought, that we see the best way we can continue is by focusing on our takeaway service.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for your loyal support, your friendship and the countless happy memories over the last 16 years. We will treasure these always.

"16 years is a long time and the transition will be difficult for us also, and the time with our customers was undoubtedly the best part of a demanding job.

"We have always endeavoured to lead the way in what we do, and we look forward to your continued support in becoming the best takeaway in Worcester.

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"We have a number of commemorative events planned for the next month to celebrate together, which we will update on in due course. A comments book will also be opened and we would love for you to write a special message. Please feel free to also share your best memories on our Facebook page.

However, this is by no means the end of our journey and nor is it a goodbye, instead we look forward to seeing you for many, many more years!

With our love, Monwar, Amad, Khaled and Anwar."