Inverness welcomes two new additions to Academy Street
Two new businesses have been welcomed onto Academy Street as they bring a new 'flare' to the city.
Mumbai Thistle and The Original Factory Shop have officially opened their doors to the public in the city centre, with both shops situated on Academy Street.
Whilst one is a restaurant and the other is a department store, both of the businesses have felt 'ecstatic' upon the grand opening.
Donald Mackay and Ksrthikappallil George, who own the new exotic Indian restaurant, pondered on the idea of opening a flavoursome street food eatery for many years.
The entrepreneurial pair 'pounced' at the opportunity when they heard the news that Coyote's was moving, and therefore leaving them a hot spot space on the high street.
Donald said: "Soon as we saw that Coyote's had moved, we knew that this was the one and managed to get a super quick turn around."
He continued: "I lived in Asia for ten years, so during that time I was really able to get a taste for the food, meaning that this is our opportunity to bring something new to Inverness."
The couple have spent a lot of time ensuring that the venue is warm and hospitable as they planned each intricate part, with the help of many local businesses in and around Inverness.
When talking about the restaurants unique and progressive name blend, he said: "It was important for us to incorporate both the Scottish and Indian personalities into it to represent who we are."
The restaurant features a series of intimate booths for guests to privately dine in, additionally to embracing a theatrical element, as guests have the option to book front seat stools and watch their food be authentically cooked.
Parallel to Mumbai Thistle is Academy Streets new department store, The Original Factory Shop. The store chain has locally placed themselves in the city centre, and is already proving to be a 'tourist hot spot'.
The stores managing assistant, Jay, said: "We are all very excited to officially be open as there has been a lot of work put into preparing for this moment.
"It took ten days alone to fill the store up with all the merchandise and I have attended many training courses on the run up to opening day, so I feel very privileged to be here now and serving the Inverness community."
Both of the businesses are now open and ready to embark on their new ventures in Inverness.
