Aktar Islam, the chef behind Birmingham’s two-Michelin starred Opheem, is to open a restaurant in Bristol. Islam will open Kush Bristol in the former The Mint Room indian restaurant site in Clifton.
The Mint Room closed in 2024 after ten years. No opening date has yet been given, but ahead of the official launch, the venue has been hosting a supper club series.
Aktar said: “Bristol is all about community, and these evenings are rooted in the way Indian meals are meant to be enjoyed: communally, with shared plates, shared stories, and the kind of warmth that turns fellow epicureans into friends.
“Growing up, food was never just food – it was ritual. It was laughter around the table, debates over spice levels, and the comfort of dishes that tasted like home. That’s the spirit we’re bringing to Kush and to these intimate evenings, before we officially launch.
Islam is known for his appearances on Gordon Ramsay’s The F Word, The One Show and Saturday Morning Live. Islam is also due to make his London debut this spring with the launch of Oudh 1772 in Borough.
Author: George Shaw
Former BBC journalist and founder and CEO of an award-winning London advertising and PR company for 20 years, providing restaurant consultancy services. Spent a decade as the director of communications of the Asian Catering Federation in the UK and lead judge for its various restaurant and chef awards programmes. Now returned to journalism, specialising in food and travel and currently the Editor-in-Chief for Taste London, Taste Asia, the Good Curry Guide and CEO of International Culinary Guides.