Mowgli founder Nisha Katona confirms opening date for second Manchester restaurant

The founder of Indian street food restaurant Mowgli has confirmed the opening date for a second Manchester restaurant.

Nisha Katona’s new 100 cover restaurant will officially open on the University of Manchester campus on 21st January 2019.

Having been a student in Manchester, the location holds a special place in Nisha’s heart. The former barrister, food writer and Indian cookery teacher hung up her cap and gown in 2014 to open her first site in Liverpool, quickly followed by a second in Manchester’s Corn Exchange.

She has since cultivated a large online following with thousands of fans reading her recipes on Twitter and following her Youtube channel.

Recently ranked 17th fastest growing British company in the Sunday Times Fast Track 100 list, Mowgli’s menu is all about fresh, vibrant, fuss-free, home-kitchen style Indian cooking.

Self-proclaimed “curry evangelist” Nisha – who was awarded an MBE for service to the food industry in this year’s New Year’s honours list – will continue to banish Indian food stereotypes, promoting instead a menu focused on fresh and authentic, healthy and flavour-packed dishes with lots of vegetarian and vegan options.

Nisha is keen to showcase her heritage with authentic recipes from her auntie’s, mother and grandmother’s Varanasi stove. She even handpicks her kitchen team, looking for ‘curry virgins’ who have no preconceptions and can be trained from scratch.

Every Mowgli interior is designed by Nisha herself. She ensures each site is unique by planning every interior with obsessive attention to detail, installing bespoke and handmade features throughout.

“I meticulously design every Mowgli inspired by the broken-down temple behind my grandmother’s Varanasi home. I have such vivid memories of these vine covered temples behind her house.”

The Corn Exchange Mowgli features vine detailing inspired by the overgrown temple behind the home of founder Nisha’s grandmother.

The Oxford Road site will feature a floating Indian temple-inspired ‘door on the wall’, a living tree, hand carved pillars and signature lighting.  

“I have loved designing this Mowgli,” says Nisha. “Light, airy, twinkling and organic. In my mind, I want Apple shop meets Indian night market. From a design aspect, it’s my aim to create a home from home in the restaurants.” 

The new Mowgli will join a previously confirmed line-up of neighbours at University Green, including bookshop Blackwell’s, design retailer Utility, artisan coffee house Takk, restaurant and bar Loungers, American burger brand Five Guys, Co-op Food and Pret A Manger.