New Indian restaurant opens at former Kuti's Brasserie site

Brothers and owners, Imran Talukder and Fahim Talukder, 38 and 26 respectively, are the owners behind the new restaurant, Deja Vu, at the Grade II-listed Royal Pier.

Imran told the Echo: “The Royal Pier is such an iconic building in this city – since we started here, people have been telling us all these lovely stories.

“They say ‘I met my husband over there in that corner’ or ‘We had our wedding reception here’ or ‘we remember when the Royal Pier used to be a dance floor’.

Fahim (left) and Imran (right) with the Lord Mayor of Southampton, Cllr Dave Shields (Image: NQ) “When me and my brother were looking for a name Deja Vu seemed like the perfect fit because we want people to relive those joyful experiences in there and create so many more to remember.”

The menu includes classics such as Dhansak, Jalfrezi and Madras as well as specials such as Hyderbadi Lamb Curry, Murgh Malabar and Goan Prawn Curry.

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Imran continued: “One dish that I think everyone should try when they come to us is the King Prawn Saag – it’s my father’s favourite dish and we grew up having that.

“That is partly why we put it on the menu, I think everyone will get a homely feeling when tasting it – it’s a dish that everyone needs to try.”

The Talukder brothers also own the Curry Guys Indian takeaway in Poole.

Fahim added: “We want to do away with any stereotypes that come with an Indian restaurant and seamlessly blend our British South Coast upbringing with all the classic flavours past down through our family.

“Our father has been running Indian restaurants all his life – we grew up in that industry and now it is time to branch out in Southampton.”

Inside the Royal Pier (Image: NQ) Both Imran and Fahim said they were aware of the negative reputation the previous iteration of the restaurant has, and wants to assure customers that Deja Vu will be nothing like the former restaurant.

As reported in the Echo, the former restaurant at the Royal Pier, Kuti's Brasserie ceased trading in September.

Deja Vu is now open and taking bookings.