News / Restaurants
One of Bristol’s oldest restaurants closes
A restaurant which was among the oldest in Bristol has sadly closed its doors.
Old India opened in 2002 within the city’s former stock exchange on St Nicholas Street in the Old City.
In luxurious surroundings, Old India promised “authentic Indian cuisine fit for Mughal kings”.
is needed now More than ever
The former dining room of the Old India is now empty of tables and chairs – photo: Burston Cook
Their last Facebook post on May 14 said they were “temporarily closed while major roof repairs are carried out”.
“We’re sorry for the disruption and truly appreciate your support and patience. We’ll keep you updated in due course.”
In 2024, the restaurant had been put on the market for offers of more than £125,000.
Old India executive chef Mojrul Haque and his family are also behind the Arjee Bhajee, which currently has one location in Staple Hill and is due to open a second soon in Hotwells.
Old India was located within Bristol’s Grade II-listed former stock exchange – photo: Karen Johnson
The Grade II-listed stock exchange building opened in 1903. It was paid for by Sir George White and features Bristol’s coat of arms on its temple frontage.
It is well-known for its palatial toilets with marble-lined walls and mahogany and brass fittings, accessed down a staircase featuring ivory and green ceramic tiles.
The building is currently to let via Burston Cook with a rent of £30,000 per year.
“The property occupies a prominent position fronting onto St Nicholas Street within a popular and established retail location, serving the residential and commercial areas of Bristol city centre,” the estate agents say.
“There is a reasonably good level of footfall due to residential, office and leisure uses close by, and it is a popular area for restaurants and cafes.
Bristol’s former stock exchange was built in 1903 with this doorcase deriving from the porch of Oxford’s St Mary the Virgin from 1637 – photo: Martin Booth
Main photo: Martin Booth
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