Would a restaurant succeed on West St. that didn't serve alcohol?

[taxman]

Someone we know has plans to open a restaurant on West Street serving Bangladeshi food and is aiming not to serve alcohol.

 

I've no doubt "dry" restaurants will work in a lot of locations but I'm not sure about West St. I'm just imagining Friday night hoards piling in for their Vindaloo and lager then kicking off when the only options are coke or lassi.

 

As for the families that the owner is obviously aiming at, would their night be ruining or enhanced by the usual West St. crowd?

[Nagel]

Would it be BYOB? If so that would work.

[Olive]

I think it would be a welcome addition to the choice on offer on West Street. BYO would be essential for the evening trade. There seems to be a massive lunch and afternoon trade going on around here though, if they can offer lunch time specials I'm sure they'd do well.

[PeteM01]

I can see that there would be issues with the Friday or Saturday night crowd but, in the absence of alcohol, the restaurant will have to concentrate on getting the food quality high enough to attract people in. That would work for me!

[taxman]

Would it be BYOB? If so that would work.

 

No, he's planning for it to be totally alcohol free.

[snoopjiggy]

No, he's planning for it to be totally alcohol free.

 

I think if you are going for a family meal, West Street is probably somewhere you wouldn't necessarily want your kids if its on a busy night. I may be wrong though!

[Babooshka]

Can't think of anything worse. A meal out without alchohol?????????????? Just being honest. Alcohol is essential for a night out...with or without food. I'll bet the majority will agree.

[Claret]

I have to agree with Babooshka I'm afraid. The food would have to exceptional to make me want to eat a meal without a glass of wine. And I must admit that if I was having a sober evening, I wouldn't want to spend it on West Street.

[stonecircle]

Having worked in an Indian restaurant on West Street in the 80's (and it was relatively quiet on there in those days!) I would say a definite no. London Road would be a better location as far more diverse IMHO.

[daniel3982]

Definite no, particularly if it's not even BYOB, probably be better suited on the Wicker in that case.