Ashley’s restaurant at The Tything in Worcester has already transformed into Ashley’s Express Kitchen as a new day dawns for the company.

The company’s restaurant division closed on Monday, February 27, but managers say the company’s takeaway division continues to expand in new and innovative directions under the Express Kitchen Group umbrella.

The same company has now taken over Little India in Ronkswood Hill, Ronkswood and will operate two stores from there to complement the existing take away service which will continue to be offered by Ashleys.

The builders are expected to enhance the look of the new premises Ashleys acquired as a rental base earlier this month.

READ MORE: Sadness as Ashley’s restaurant closes – but takeout continues

READ MORE: Worcester shows love for Ashleys after restaurant closure

Monwar Khandokar, the manager, said there was never any intention to “quit” after Ashleys closed the restaurant at The Tything.

He said: “We have acquired Little India in Ronkswood and we will operate two stores from there.”

“Little India Express will serve South Worcester and surrounding areas with an emphasis on Indian classics.

“In the same space, we are also opening the Hakkasan Express Kitchen, which will showcase the concept of Hakka cuisine, Chinese cuisine with Indian influences. This is something new in Worcester but popular elsewhere in the country.”

Mr Khandokar described Ashleys as the “flagship” business, while the Hakkasan business will be based on “pan-Asian cuisine” with Chinese, Indonesian and Malay influences and dishes “from across the subcontinent”.

He said this would introduce customers to regional dishes from a wide area, using Indian spices with Chinese ingredients. This part of the business is expected to start in July this year (Little India Express is already operating from the same premises).

The company has appointed a new chef – Ashok Raaj – a former chef at Oberoi Hotel Group, which he says owns five-star hotels in India.

Mr. Khandokar said: “We are delighted. We really wanted to bring more authenticity to the menu and we think we’re going to do that now. There is nothing quite like it in Worcester that actually combines Indian and Chinese ingredients. Most people won’t have that.” I tried that once before in Worcester.

He said some of the new dishes are spicier but also healthier than dishes served at other Indian takeaways.