Labour leader Keir Starmer visits Leeds Indian restaurant Tharavadu

Sir Keir was spotted dining in Tharavadu, on Mill Hill, after a visit to the region on Wednesday, August 12.

Earlier, Sir Keir had been in Wakefield and Barnsley to meet with teachers and local authority leaders still under restrictions due to coronavirus spikes.

This was the Labour leader's second visit to Tharavadu after dining there earlier this year.

-> This is what Leeds Corn Exchange will look like after a £25million makeoverSibby Jose, owner of Tharavadu said: "Sir Keir promised the team when he came back in January that he would visit again soon and he kept his promise.

"He seemed happy to be back and we had a very friendly chat about the current situation and any difficulties we've faced during the pandemic.

"Sir Keir seemed extremely impressed with the measures taken by the team in the wake of Covid-19 such as the face visors, screens in between the tables and the new layout of the restaurant.

"He was also interested in how the Eat Out to Help out Scheme has affected our current trade, as well as how we survived the takeaway and delivery services during lockdown."

Mr Jose added: "Sir Keir took part in the Eat Out deal and had Uzhunnuvada, a lentil doughnut, for his starter and Meen Pollichathu, a grilled fish wrapped up in banana leaf with Keralan spices for his main.

"He seemed very happy and complimented the chefs for the wonderful food.

"He even promised to come back gain when he is next in Leeds and kindly posed for some socially-disanced pictures with the team."

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Thank you

Laura Collins