New Milton Indian restaurant Dark Saffron reopens for first anniversary celebrations after staff given leave over Bangladesh political unrest

A New Milton Indian restaurant has relaunched for its first anniversary after the manager gave his staff mental-health leave over political unrest in Bangladesh.

Max Robart and his 10-strong team at Dark Saffron on Old Milton Road were affected by a takeover which forced prime minister Sheikh Masina to flee the country.

Speaking to the A&T, Max explained he could not keep his business open while people’s homes there were being burned down and people killed.

He and his fellow Bangladeshi colleagues, including the chef, have family who had been living there when the trouble flared up.

“Everybody was mentally upset,” Max said.

“There’s no internet over there, no mobile phones – the satellite is down – so they can’t communicate over there.

“They were not mentally strong enough to run the business, so that’s why I decided to close.”

The restaurant shut its doors for nearly six weeks, with the manager saying it was also for his own state of mind.

Now, however, he and his staff are satisfied their families are at least temporarily safe, some having fled to India and others in hiding in Bangladesh.

Dark Saffron reopened as it marks a year since it began trading in place of the first floor venue’s former occupant, Bombay Night.

To celebrate, a trio of special offers is being laid on for customers.

“We apologise to everyone – the New Milton local groups and our guests – for the inconvenience, but my staff are mentally strong now for cooking and serving food,” Max said.

He revealed more than 100 people had called for bookings and takeaway orders during the closure.

“I’m getting good responses and we are celebrating our anniversary, which is why we’ve organised the offers,” he continued.

“The restaurant is running okay. It’s my bread and butter, so I have to run it perfectly, linking with the local community and serving top quality food in New Milton.”

The situation in Bangladesh, meanwhile, remains unstable, with Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus now leading an interim government.

Dark Saffron’s anniversary offers include three-course meals for £19.95 every evening, and 25% off takeaway orders (collection only).

From the start of October it will also offer Friday to Sunday £15 weekend buffets.

Pleased to be back up and running, Max added: “I really appreciate the closeness of the New Milton community.”