Flavour Box, specialising in the fusion of Indian street food with classic British dishes, is the latest business to move into Hartlepool Enterprise Centre.
Run by Anila Treesa, director of HIMA Events and Caterers Ltd – trading as Flavour Box, the new venture has taken over the kitchen and bistro within the Hartlepool Borough Council-run centre in Brougham Terrace.
Whilst providing a service to the centre’s other tenants, it also caters for external customers, offering collection and delivery options.
“The initiative was developed by HIMA (Hartlepool Indo-Malayalee Association) as part of its efforts to support community entrepreneurship. The opportunity was highlighted by Councillor Aaron Roy, who encouraged me being an active member of HIMA to explore the possibility of taking over the kitchen space. It’s early days, but I’m so glad I did because business is really taking off,” said Anila who previously ran a small home-based catering business specialising in cakes and desserts.
She added: “Staff from the Council’s Economic Growth Team have been so supportive, and their advice has been instrumental in helping me launch Flavour Box.”
(Left-right): Councillor Karen Oliver with Anila Treesa.
While Anila originally trained and qualified as an optometrist, she never took up her registration and food has always been her true passion.
Describing every meal as a celebration of taste, she added: “Our passion for flavour knows no boundaries – ranging from aromatic masala dosas to hearty full English breakfasts. We also offer a range of vegetarian options.”
The business which has been awarded a five-star food hygiene rating, offers a comprehensive menu comprising a range of breakfast, lunch and dinner dishes, alongside desserts, breads, shakes and cakes.
Councillor Karen Oliver, Chair of the Council’s Housing, Growth and Communities Committee, said: “Small businesses play a key role in the success of the local economy and it is important that we support entrepreneurs such as Anila so that they are able to realise their dreams.
“I have personally tried her food and it is fantastic, the flavours were amazing. I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome Flavour Box to the Hartlepool Enterprise Centre and wish Anila best wishes for the future.”
For more information about the menu and opening hours go to www.flavourbox.co.uk