25 years ago today (Wednesday) British billionaire, entrepreneur and business magnate, Richard Branson, went into Bahar Tandoori in Cowes and Isle of Wight history was made.
Heading up to Cowes this evening, News OnTheWight spoke to the owner, Abdul Bahar, the then-young man we all know in the photos of he and Branson that’s adorned the windows and the walls of the restaurant since then.
21st September 1997
Richard turned up at lunchtime on Sunday 21st September, 1997 with seven others to try out the then-new restaurant – Bahars had only been open for six months when Richard Branson ate there, as the restaurant opened on 27th March of the same year.
“Could you remember what he ordered?” we asked Abdul, “Lots of dishes – so many dishes,” came the reply.
“He was very friendly,” Abdul told News OnTheWight, “A very good person.”
Lots of autographs outside
As if to underline this, Abdul went on to describe how generous Richard had been with people outside the restaurant after his meal, “Outside everyone asked for an autograph. There were a lot of people outside. It took him about 20 minutes for everyone to get theirs.”
Abdul also told News OnTheWight that Richard’s son, Sam has also visited the Bahar since.
The Photo
Abdul very kindly sent a copy of the 1997 photo
Signature
Abdul also shared a photo of where Richard signed the visitor’s book with News OnTheWight too.
Why in Cowes?
So why was Branson on the Isle of Wight?
The start of the Whitbread Round the World race is a possible contender. The first leg left from Southampton to South Africa Cape Town that day. If you’ve got a better idea, leave a comment.
Tipped off by Chris Higgins
News OnTheWight were tipped off to the anniversary by Chris Higgins on Twitter. We asked him how did he remember it was today? He said,
“Like most people who regularly visit Bahar, I’m kind of enamoured with those infamous family portraits with Mr Branson. Last time we were there I noticed a date on one of them. Being such a landmark date, my Dad decided it was worth adding to the diary.”
We put some questions to Mr Branson on the off-chance ‘his people’ might reply – amazingly he did.
Article edit
7.58pm 22nd Sept 2022 – Added photo of visitors’ book and the link to RB replying.
11.06am 23nd Sept 2022 – Added The Photo of RB visit.
