‘The end of an era’: The Anands’ Brilliant Southall restaurant to close after 50 years of trading

Gulu and Dipna Anand’s Indian restaurant, the Brilliant Southall, will be closing next month after 50 years of trading.

Dipna’s father, Gulu, opened the London-based community diner, which serves Punjabi cuisine infused with Kenyan influences, in 1975.

The restaurant will be closing on 7 April, following a closing night dinner on 4 April showcasing the Brilliant’s signature dishes, such as masala chicken, karahi gosht and samosa chaat.

Dipna said: “It may be the end of an era for Brilliant Southall, but after 50 years, the Brilliant brand has gained an iconic status in Indian dining, and we have to ensure that it is constantly evolving to both reflect the preferences of diners, and the food I love to eat, so there’s something delicious for everyone.”

The Brilliant brand was founded in the 1950s by Anand’s grandfather, Bishen Dass Anand. Its first site was a restaurant, nightclub and hotel in Kenya, which was followed by the launch of a catering business.

In 1973, the family moved to the UK. Two years later, sons Kewal and Gulu Anand opened the first Brilliant restaurant on Western Road in Southall.

Over the years, it has welcomed several high-profile guests, including His Majesty the King.

News of the closure comes after Dipna revealed plans late last year to launch a new restaurant, Brilliant Gastro, also in Southall.

The new restaurant will be opening in the Green Quarter, a regeneration project transforming a former gasworks site into new homes, shops and leisure facilities, in mid-April.

Brilliant Gastro will serve dishes combining the Anands’ Punjabi roots with Western classics.

In collaboration with Compass Group, Dipna is also involved with Dipna Anand Kitchen and Bar at Unity Place in Milton Keynes, as well as at sports stadiums such as OVO Arena Wembley, Allianz Stadium, Twickenham and Chelsea Football Club, which are home to her Brilliant Punjabi food trucks.