5 minutes with… Alamgir Hussain of Spice Lounge Armagh
Since opening his restaurant Spice Lounge in the Shambles area of Armagh in 2019, owner Alamgir Hussain has enjoyed every aspect of working within the Orchard city.
He opened his business on Lower English Street with the view of “bringing something different” when it comes to well-known Indian cuisine.
An an entrepreneur, he is extremely passionate about the food he serves and his customers’ experience but – a true family man at heart – it goes without saying that his greatest love is his family (and chicken madras!).
To get an insight into life beyond the restaurant, Armagh Jobs completed a short interview with Alamgir:
Why did you choose to be a restaurant owner?
From I was a young age I always worked in family run restaurants.
I always had the goal of creating my own restaurant that allowed me to spend time with my family in the workplace and outside.
I have always enjoyed meeting new people with different stories and backgrounds.
What are you most proud of in your career to date?
When I first saw 2&2A Lower English Street in Armagh, the building stood out to me as it was always dark and empty, I saw the potential that this building had.
The door spoke to me, “Come and open the door I am waiting for you.” And that’s when I knew this is where I wanted to pursue my business.
Now nearly six years on I am so proud that me, my family, all of my costumers and friends have finally added light to the Shambles.
What is your favourite thing about being an entrepreneur?
I love being an entrepreneur because it gives me the freedom to create and build something meaningful.
I always create a strong bond with every costumer ensuring that they get the comforting feeling of my family and our business.
I also love being able to support local communities by sponsoring local youth sports clubs etc.
What has been the biggest challenge?
The biggest challenge within the business was working throughout the pandemic. It was exactly six months after we opened our business.
Being able to provide for my family was very challenging to begin with. I didn’t really know what do, as the business had to be closed.
My landlord supported me hugely through this time and eventually we were able to open the takeaway again.
Because of the local community and people in Armagh, I was able to keep my business running and provide for my family and I am forever grateful for every single costumer.
What is the most helpful advice that you have been given?
Just before I opened my restaurant, I worked in Belfast with my cousin, Ahad Miah.
Ahad was a huge inspiration, he guided me to success in my business and for that I am very grateful. He taught me things that I have carried into my own business.
If you could choose anything else to do, what would it be?
If I wasn’t where I am today I would be interested in the building trade. Interior design has always been a passion, I take strong pride in how my restaurant is designed.
What do you think your best quality is?
My best quality is being able to communicate with new people and treat everyone with open arms and like family.
I love meeting new people and I am always here for everyone.
Name three things that you like doing outside of work…
The most important thing to me outside of my business is spending time with my wife and children.
My wife is my diamond, she has always been my main supporter through everything and for her, I am grateful.
I work seven days a week and have minimal time outside of work. For this reason, recently we have decided to close the business every Wednesday begging March 5, so that I can spend more time with my family.
On Tuesday’s I am offering everyone a “buy one get one free” special, on main courses, sit in only and reservation needed. Business will remain the same every other day.
Tell us about a secret skill that we don’t know you have.
My biggest skill is being able to put a smile on everyone’s face. Anyone I meet I will treat them as my own.
What is your most prized possession?
My most prized possession is my wife, children, family and friends.
What is your favourite food?
My favourite food is chicken madras.
What is your favourite book?
I do not read.
What are you currently watching?
The only thing I watch is the news, I like to know what is going on in the world and stay educated by countries.
If you were to watch a band/singer live, who would it be?
I like folk music. If I could see anyone I would like to see La Lon, he is a mystic, social reformer, song writer in Bengal.
Dead or alive, who would you most want to meet and why?
My father is my hero, to meet him again is a dream of mine. He has influenced every step of my life. Every step of advice he left me, I still live by.