Southsea restaurants 'struggling' as they face use-us-or-lose-us scenario, claims Akash co-owner
Independent restaurants and hospitality venues in Portsmouth are in dire need of your support - now more than ever.
That is the message from the owner of an Indian restaurant in Southsea, who says the entire industry is struggling.
Faz Ahmed, co-owner of the Akash in Albert Road, says business has been slower than usual at the start of this year, a trend reflected by other restaurateurs in the area. He is urging people in Portsmouth to use their independent eateries instead of defaulting to the 'big chains' - suggesting many are in a use-it-or-lose-it scenario.
He said: “A lot of people don't realise all the hidden costs of running a business. The big companies have a healthy cash reserve and can make it work when things get slow, but speaking to other independent restaurants and hospitality venues, they are all struggling.
“The start of the year is always difficult in this industry, but this year has been one of the toughest I've ever seen. We did okay over Christmas but it does slow down in the early months.
“We fully appreciate that going out is a luxury these days, it can get really expensive. People we used to see come in every week or two now come in every other month, and we know everyone is feeling the strain.
“People in Portsmouth have always supported us and we are so grateful for that, but things aren't getting any easier.”
The Akash has won a plethora of awards over the years, including the gong for best restaurant in Hampshire at the International Indian Chef of the Year competition in 2024, creative chef of the year at the Catering Circle Star Show awards in 2025, and regular nominations at the English Curry Awards.
It’s also a popular hot-spot for celebrities and sports stars, with Portsmouth FC manager John Mousinho being a frequent diner.
Faz added: “You can win all the awards in the world, but in reality that won’t save you.
“The price of some raw goods - that’s the literal ingredients we’re cooking with - has tripled in price these past couple of years, but obviously you can’t then triple the prices on your menu. There are only so many costs a restaurant can absorb.
“If you're thinking about going to a chain, please try one of your locals instead. For independents, it really is a case of use us, or lose us.”