Introducing ‘world’s smallest takeaway’ in a red phone box
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Credit: Tayyab Shafiq; Paul Goward
An entrepreneur has introduced an entirely fresh approach to the UK curry industry by becoming the first person to sell takeaway curries out of a refurbished red phone box.
Tayyab Shafiq launched the “world’s smallest takeaway” last week when he opened the doors to three phone booths located opposite intu Uxbridge Shopping Centre in west London.
Aptly called the Food Booth, the menu is short and spicy with Chicken or Lamb Biryani, lentil and rice, Kabuli Pulao, and sides of Shami Kebab and Samosas.
Having already been featured in the national tabloid, the 25-year-old, who’s originally from Lahore, Pakistan, has already become talk of the town.
“It was a mere idea till last year. But then I researched and found out about these phone booths. My vision was to give rebirth to these iconic telephone boxes which hold such great British heritage,” Tayyab told FtLion.
My vision was to give rebirth to these iconic telephone boxes which hold such great British heritage – Food Booth founder, Tayyab Shafiq
Having graduated as a Mechanical Engineer from University College London, Tayyab said: “Using my design expertise, I realised that it’s very much possible to run a takeaway from such a small space. That’s how I ended up opening Food Booth.”
He then contacted Red Kiosk Company, who rent out refurbished red phone boxes across London and the rest of the country, to acquire his unique premises.
After receiving a hygiene rating of 3 and following advice from Hillingdon council, Tayyab told FtLion that he has temporarily closed to further enhance his new business.
The owner is currently looking to install portable hand washing units as part of an endeavour to improve his customer service.
Once reopen, not only will Food Booth be operating every day from 12-7pm, but Tayyab said he will also be introducing additional items including Masala Chai, as well as Chicken Fried Rice, Chicken Hakka Noodles, Egg Fried Rice, and Veg Hakka Noodles.
Having already attracted attention from places a far afield as Pakistan and India, Tayyab’s ambition is to scale up the business before making it available for franchise opportunities.
Food Booth (opposite Five Guys)
162-163 High St, Uxbridge, London UB8 1JZ.
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 12:00-19:00
