IPSWICH: A takeaway restaurant is inviting food lovers to help celebrate a “rollercoaster” first year in business.

The Bay of Bengal takeaway opened in Nacton Road last year as the economy was in a mess and many businesses were capitulating under the pressure of recession.

But after an anxious start, and thanks in part to the arrival of a new Tesco store, the restaurant is bustling with trade and regular custom.

Co-owner Shofik Ali, who was out of work until opening the Bay of Bengal, said: “We opened our business during one of the worst part of recession and had come through it.

“What a rollercoaster ride it has been since both I and my business partner Mr Rouf began this business having been unemployed last year.”

During the first six months, business was, at times, extremely quiet and the pair found it difficult to break even.

Mr Ali added: “Our part of Nacton Road was rather quite, mostly dead at times. However, since opening of the new Tesco Express it has brought about much-needed life.

“Despite the arguments and controversy surrounding Tesco, we have noticed more people activity and have benefited from their arrival.”

Mr Ali decided to run a food taster session at Tesco as part of the first anniversary celebrations and more festivities are planned for this week.

On Wednesday a fun-packed evening from 5pm will include tasters, Indian refreshments and snacks, party balloons, Henna painting and special discounts on food orders.

To find out more visit www.bayof bengaltakeaway.co.uk

n Do you know of a business that is fighting back from the recession? Write to Your Letters, The Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send us an e-mail to eveningstar letters@eveningstar.co.uk