Noir opening three sites by year’s end with Dubai in 2024

Islam plays a core part in the ethos of our team; and may Allah give more barakah to all those avoiding Haram in their business.

The contemporary Indian restaurant Noir in London’s South Woodford has plans of opening five additional sites over the next two years.

According to the brand’s Managing Director Ardy Ardakani, not only are “all sites signed and sealed”, but the ambitious entrepreneur has revealed to FtLion where and when the next will be.

While a site is preparing to launch in Hayes by the end of May next month, Ardy has further disclosed the opening of another two restaurants by the end of this year.

With accomplished Head Chef Nikhil Mahale offering a fully Halal food menu, Noir was rated an impressive 4.5/5 by FtLion only a day after its grand opening in December last year.

Once the Hayes venue is up and running, Ardy will then shift his focus to a site in Manchester in August before ending 2023 with a Buckingham restaurant in Denham.

But it is 2024 that might be the defining year for the brand when Noir will not just be looking to break into the challenging location of Central London, with Ardy eyeing either Knightsbridge or Edgware Road as potential spots, but also going international in Dubai.

‘We wanted to create Noir as a Halal spot everyone can enjoy’

Although alcohol is entirely absent from Noir’s dining experience, the contentious inclusion of a shisha lounge to the business model is what Ardy believes “presents significant opportunities for profitable return on investment”.

While Muslims universally accept alcohol as being strictly forbidden in Islam, the use of tobacco as an ingredient in the smoking of shisha makes it a controversial issue.

“As a Muslim raised in east London”, however, Ardy tells FtLion that he “wanted to create Noir as a Halal spot everyone can enjoy, from couples, friends and even families. Noir is the perfect fit for everyone”.

As such: “Islam plays a core part in the ethos of our team; and may Allah give more barakah [blessing] to all those avoiding Haram in their business.”

With a “focus on premium food, exceptional service and refined atmosphere” – keys factors he says “sets us apart from casual dining options and appeals to discerning diners” – Ardy wants “the brand to stand strong and high amongst the big names in the hospitality sector”.

While the young business man believes that “every major city in the UK needs to experience their own #NIGHTATNOIR”, for the moment he says: “We are all just enjoying the journey and providing the best service and food possible to all.”