AN Indian restaurant has branched out and opened a production hub and shop in Taunton where customers can pick up chilled and frozen dishes.

My Local Indian claims the initiative at Cornishway North, on Galmington Trading Estate, is the first of its kind in Somerset.

The company has a long local heritage of bringing quality Keralan food to Taunton for many years through the Mint and Mustard brand and - since last summer - Mattancherry, on Station Road.

A company spokesperson said expanding the Southern Indian feel-good experience beyond the restaurant doors, in a way that negates pacing the hall waiting for the takeaway delivery driver, has been a long held one by the team – and a global pandemic seemed the perfect climate in which to get started.

Pivoting the team’s expertise in this direction has allowed all staff to remain in place despite the difficulties the hospitality sector has faced in the last year, and has seen new employment opportunities created.

Head chef Logan Ramasamy said: "Since the autumn, orders via the My Local Indian website have been arriving with customers across the UK via next day courier, but from this month, the business opens a dedicated Taunton production hub with shop, the first of its kind in Somerset.

"Orders via the website can be collected at Galmington free of charge and the shop will have a wide selection of delicious chilled and frozen dishes available to purchase on the spot - ideal for a working lunch, or when you receive the ‘Can you pick something up for dinner?’ call."

My Local Indian offers all the flavour, variety and excitement you would expect from a pukka Indian restaurant, conveniently available to enjoy at work or at home.

The dishes are expertly cooked, not mass factory-produced factory fodder, unlike the ready meals you’ll find at the supermarket.

Logan added: "These are bursting with flavour, double portioned, representing superb value for money and housed in eco-friendly, recyclable packaging.

"The range can easily be heated through to enjoy straightaway, or popped in the freezer and saved for the weekend kickback and chill."

The My Local Indian Taunton outlet is open Monday to Friday 11am to 6pm, Saturday and Sunday 11am and 3pm.

You can order at www.mylocalindian.com or call 01823 475344. Click and collect or pop in and purchase.