Dipa and Joe, the owners of The Bank in Chorleywood, are on a mission to showcase the rich and diverse flavors of Indian cuisine. Their goal is to break free from the stereotype of Indian food being one-dimensional and to celebrate the full range of dishes from across India.
Bringing Authentic Indian Flavors to Chorleywood
The couple fell in love with a historic building on Station Approach, which had been closed to the public for 70 years. After purchasing it, they set out to transform it into a unique space to offer authentic Indian dining.
Speaking to Chorleywood News, Dipa explained, “It was my partner Joe who had seen the building and instantly fell in love with it. We wanted to turn this beautiful building into something special.”
The restaurant opened its doors in September 2024, with Anupam Seth joining as general manager in November. However, the journey hasn’t been without challenges. The restaurant faced some local resistance, including an appeal from the parish council over their late-night license approval.
Accolades and Success
Despite the initial concerns, the reception has been overwhelmingly positive. In December 2024, The Bank earned recognition at the prestigious Asian Curry Awards, winning Newcomer of the Year and Lifetime Achievement for Executive Chef Binod Baral. Baral, a seasoned chef with numerous accolades, previously led a team of chefs at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Dipa shared, “The reception has been amazing, and most of all, we wanted to celebrate the breadth of Indian food. Indian cuisine is full of fresh ingredients, and many dishes are often vegan and gluten-free.”
Looking ahead, Dipa and Joe are excited about the changes coming to their menu in 2025 and are committed to offering the Chorleywood community a taste of India’s diverse culinary traditions.
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