Leeds city centre South Indian restaurant Uyare expands with NPIF II and BEF investment
A Leeds-based restaurant chain has secured a six-figure investment from NPIF II – BEF Smaller Loans, which is managed by the Business Enterprise Fund (BEF) as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II) to support the launch of Uyare, Europe’s first South Indian rooftop restaurant.
The funding has helped South Indian Restaurants Ltd transform a long-closed venue into a vibrant, modern dining space that brings authentic Kerala cuisine to the heart of Leeds.
Founded by restaurateur Siby Jose and Walter Prakash Mendonca, South Indian Restaurants Ltd first made its mark in 2014 with its award‑winning restaurant Tharavadu. Specialising in cuisine from Kerala - known for its aromatic spices, coconut-rich curries, and seafood dishes - the restaurant quickly became a favourite among locals.
“When people in the UK thought about Indian food, it was always chicken tikka masala or jalfrezi. Kerala food is completely different - different taste, different colour, different texture,” says Siby. “Opening Tharavadu was an education for the people of Leeds.”
When Siby first took over the premises at Victoria Gate for their new expansion, Uyare, the building had been closed for nearly 18 months. What began as a straightforward refurbishment quickly grew into a major redevelopment project.
“We had a plan, we had a budget, we had savings. But everything needed replacing,” Siby explains. “The kitchen equipment, the fittings - it all went beyond what we expected. That’s when we realised we needed extra funding. That’s how we came to the Business Enterprise Fund.”
With the loan, the team were able to complete vital renovations, install a new commercial kitchen, modernise the rooftop dining area, and create the stylish 1920s-inspired interior that Uyare is now known for.
“Our role is to step in when a business has strong potential but doesn’t fit the strict criteria of traditional lenders,” said Emma, Investment Manager at BEF. “Funding awareness is vital. We’re here to fill that gap and help great businesses grow.”
Since opening, Uyare has made a big impression on the Leeds dining scene. Reviews and press coverage have praised both the immersive décor and the standout menu, bringing a new dimension of South Indian dining to the city.
With Uyare already thriving, Siby and the team continue to build on their momentum. Their mission remains the same: bringing authentic Kerala cuisine to a wider audience, while creating unforgettable dining experiences.
By transforming an empty rooftop venue into a vibrant culinary destination, South Indian Restaurants Ltd has shown what ambition - backed by the right funding - can achieve.
And with the support of NPIF II and BEF, Uyare has risen to become one of Leeds’ most distinctive dining experiences - staying true to its name, which in Malayalam means “to rise”.
Lizzy Upton, Senior Investment Manager at the British Business Bank, said: Hospitality businesses play a vital role in energising local centres - attracting visitors, creating jobs and strengthening communities. In a challenging market, it’s essential they have the support to grow and reach new customers. Through NPIF II, we’re proud to be backing businesses like Uyare, helping to create destination dining spots and boost the visitor economy in Leeds.”
The £660m Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II) covers the entire North of England and provides loans from £25k to £2m and equity investment up to £5m to help a range of small and medium sized businesses to start up, scale up or stay ahead.
The purpose of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II is to drive sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation and creating local opportunity for new and growing businesses across the North of England. The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II will increase the supply and diversity of early-stage finance for the North’s smaller businesses, providing funds to firms that might otherwise not receive investment and help to break down barriers in access to finance.