Indian restaurant The Bank to restore Chorleywood building

After planning applications revealed that a restaurant called The Bank was in the works at Parthenon House, Chorleywood, more details have been revealed.

Joe Bhat and his partner Dr Dipa Patel are undertaking the passion project at the Station Approach building, both to restore the former National Provincial Bank and to create a high-end Indian restaurant locals can enjoy without needing to travel into London.

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Mr Bhat said: “I wanted to bring out the charm of the old bank.

“It will be laid out as in a bank format, all those old rooms are still there so we will bring it back to its former glory.”

He added that customers will be amazed by the historic interior and roof. “You will walk in and say ‘oh my god’,” he promised.

(Edited image showing) the proposed main sign on the building (Image: Three Rivers Planning Portal/360 SIGNS & VM)

Mr Bhat, who lives in Little Chalfont, said that locals looking for top Indian dishes often feel they have to go into the capital to get the best, something he is seeking to change.

Customers can expect a high-end bar and nicely presented curries, as well as private rooms available to book.

Mr Bhat also addressed an unusual comment from Chorleywood Parish Council. Before the sign he had proposed received planning permission, councillors objected and claimed the stylised B in the name 'The Bank', could be interpreted as a ‘W’.

Joe Bhat and Dr Dipa Patel (Image: Joe Bhat)

It was approved in the end and Mr Bhat explained that the parish council literally had it backwards.

He said: “If you turn the B to be a M it looks like two front teeth.” The stylisation is in fact the same as the first letter of his dental practice, Moor Park Specialist Dental Centre, on its side.

It was chosen in the hope that the good luck that has helped him run a successful dental centre would carry over into the new venture.

The restaurant is still in the early planning stages and work getting it ready has not yet begun.