A POPULAR Indian restaurant has stressed it is open for business after an eatery with the same name closed.

Spice Fusion on St Andrew's Street, Droitwich, announced with a "heavy heart" last week that it will be closing after 11 years. 

However, many customers have been confused and thought Spice Fusion in Dunhampton, near Ombersley, is closing.

Confused diners have been calling and emailing the very much open Indian restaurant along the A449 telling them they were disappointed and saddened to learn the restaurant is closing.

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However, they have been relieved to find out Spice Fusion in Dunhampton is remaining.

Muhid Miah, one of the owners, said: "We received quite a lot of calls saying they are disappointed to hear we are closing, and this was news to us.

"It was a bit of a shock because when we heard it for the first time, we thought someone got mixed up through the grapevine, but when a number of people started getting in touch, we became concerned."

He said he thinks confusion may have arisen because the two restaurants share the same name, and back in 2008, the Dunhampton restaurant used to own the one in Droitwich until it was sold on to a new owner.

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Since then, the businesses have not been connected. 

Mr Miah said the curry house has no plans to close for the foreseeable future.

Spice Fusion in Droitwich town centre announced the restaurant's closure on Monday, March 13 after struggling with rising costs and staff shortages.

A spokesperson for the  Saint Andrews Square Shopping Centre restaurant said: "It is with heavy hearts that we must announce the permanent closure of Spice Fusion.

"For the past 11 and a half years, it has been an absolute joy to serve the community.

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"However, due to the rising costs and staff shortage, we can no longer sustain our business.

"We cherish the memories we have made and the friendships we have made.

"We will miss you all dearly.

"Our final day of service will be on the 25th of March 2023, and we hope to see as many of you as possible before we say goodbye.

"It has been an absolute honour and privilege to serve this wonderful community, and we are grateful for the support and loyalty we have received over the years."