Newark's Koinonia keeps Keralan cuisine alive following HSBC UK loan

Added by Love Business East Midlands | 17 July 2019

Newark restaurant, Koinonia, has purchased the premises it had been renting for the last seven years with a six-figure HSBC UK Commercial Mortgage.

The restaurant specialises in food from Kerala, a region in Southern India where owner George Chummar was born and raised. The premises went up for buy earlier this year, providing George with the opportunity to secure the future of Koinonia.

Following the purchase, George plans to expand the restaurant by building an extension to seat 50 more customers and installing a larger the kitchen.
The restaurant has already created a further 14 new jobs for the local economy, including front-of-house and kitchen staff, on the back of the HSBC UK finance. Koinonia will recruit a further seven members of staff once the expansion is complete.

George Chummar, Owner of Koinonia, said:

“Keralan cuisine has a heritage rooted in diversity, due to the Indian region’s rich history as a trading port for spices. At Koinonia, we pride ourselves in bringing this culture to diners in Nottinghamshire. Thanks to the support of HSBC UK and our Relationship Manager, Tamieka Gray, we will be able to continue serving our unique dishes and introduce more people to the culture of Kerala.”

David Tomlinson, East Midlands Business Banking Area Director, HSBC UK said:

“Koinonia is the only Keralan restaurant in the area, adding to the vibrant local food scene in Newark - the expansion of the restaurant is a testament to George’s passion for sharing Keralan cuisine with the community. HSBC UK was delighted to support George as Koinonia embarks on a new chapter and we wish them the best for the future.”

This deal is part of HSBC UK’s £500 million lending fund to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the East Midlands.

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