Business & Technology
New curry restaurant opens on Oxfordshire town’s high street
Omera’s Restaurant had its opening night on Saturday, March 21, hosting a variety of local politicians and residents.
For nearly 45 years an Indian restaurant has been situated on Witney High Street and Omera’s takes the place of The Curry Paradise which closed its doors at the end of 2025.
Already the establishment had been running as a takeaway, but now it is firmly established as a restaurant at 39 High Street.
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In a video shared on social media by the business, Witney MP Mr Maynard and others praised the food and welcomed the independent business to Witney.
The MP said: “The food is delicious, I’ve just had it, so I encourage everybody to get down here.
“It’s a local business, it has been serving curry on this site for many many years and I hope many many years to come.”
Deputy Mayor of Witney Jane Doughty said: “This is just going to be fantastic having one of the best Indian restaurants.
“The food is brilliant and it’s just amazing.”
She added: “It’s a breath of fresh air and thank you for coming to our high street. I am so proud of the whole team here.”
County and district councillor Liam Walker said: “Like a lot of people, I love a good curry so it’s really great to be here.
“The curry industry is worth about four to five billion pounds to the UK economy every year so come down and support local businesses and support Witney High Street.”
James Robertshaw, who is a councillor and lives on Witney High Street called the food “absolutely fantastic”.
He added: “We need to try and support out businesses on the High Street to make them flourish. So come down here to Omera’s Restaurant.”
The owners of Omera’s Restaurant said that they were committed to the local community and proud to be delivering “natural Indian cuisine”.
They said: “We’re proud to be bringing the restaurant back to its roots, offering natural Indian cuisine in a more comfortable setting, with a strong commitment to the local community.
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“We look forward to welcoming everyone to Omera’s Restaurant — now and in the months ahead.”
Among the famous clientele at the former Indian restaurant on the site is ex Prime Minister David Cameron, who has reportedly said his favourite curry comes from the Witney establishment.
The restaurant is open daily from 12 to 2pm and 5pm to 10.30 PM.
Its takeaway service delivers across West Oxfordshire including Carterton, Eynsham, Ducklington, Bampton, Minster Lovell and North Leigh.
The Original Factory Shop which sells discounted homewares, furniture, electrical goods and toys, shut its store in Carterton yesterday (Saturday, March 28).
On the business’ Facebook page, last-minute discounts were being offered with clothing down to £2 an item.
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On Thursday, March 26, a spokesperson for the store said: “Everything in store is now up to 85 per cent off as we prepare to close our doors this weekend.
“This is your last chance to grab a bargain – once it’s gone, it’s gone.”
Following that announcement, prices were subsequently lowered and lowered.
Other branches around the UK also shut yesterday including in Cromer, Gorleston and Bungay in Norfolk and Suffolk with major sales also being implemented at other locations.
This comes after the business fell into administration in January, with further closures also expected imminently in Snettisham, according to The Sun, and around the country.
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Administrators said The Original Factory Shop’s troubles have been driven by challenging trading conditions, linked to high-cost inflation, fragile consumer confidence and rising labour costs caused by government policies.
Problems were then exacerbated by issues linked to its third-party warehouse and logistics operator, weakening sales further.
It only has one store in Oxfordshire, its Carterton shop, although Claire’s – which is also owned by investment firm Modella Capital and is in administration – has one in the Oxford Westgate shopping centre.
The fashion retailer this month closed down its store in the Oxford city centre shopping centre having opened in October 2017 as part of the £440m revamp.
It was one of the original retailers as part of the shopping centre’s new phase of life, along with John Lewis, Primark and Next.
A spokeswoman from Hugo Boss said: “Hugo Boss optimises its global store portfolio as part of its long-term strategy, which also affects the Boss Oxford Westgate Centre store.
“Hugo Boss will maintain a strong presence in the UK, and we will also continue to serve our customers via our online flagship store at hugoboss.com.”
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The company did not say whether any redundancies had been made from closing the store.
The spokeswoman said: “Wherever possible, we reallocate employees through transfers or other internal opportunities.”
There are indeed other branches not too far, including at Bicester Village, Swindon and Reading.
A spokeswoman for the Westgate said: “We remain committed to making Westgate Oxford a vibrant and varied retail destination for our guests, welcoming exciting new arrivals such as Sephora, The Beefy Boys, and the opening of Lego later this spring, as well as recently upsized stores for Oliver Bonas, Goldsmiths, and Superdrug.
“We look forward to sharing more details about new brands joining the centre soon.”
Henley Business Buzz hosted its first event at Henley Rugby Club, drawing more than 30 businesses and decision-makers from the local area.
The group is part of the wider Business Buzz network, offering informal, no-membership, pay-as-you-go networking that focuses on building professional relationships in a relaxed setting.
Orinta Gaucyte, host of Henley Business Buzz, said: “It was fantastic to see so many local businesses come together for our first Henley Buzz.
“There’s something really special about building a supportive community where people feel comfortable, included and able to make genuine connections.
“A huge thank you to everyone who came along and helped make the launch such a success.”
The launch was attended by Business Buzz co-founders Katrina Sargent and Simon George, who officially opened the event.
The Henley meetings are supported by sponsors Logic Financial Services and Logic Mortgages.
Lee Humphrey, of Logic Financial Services, said: “It’s brilliant to see an event like Business Buzz arrive in Henley.
“Creating opportunities for local businesses to connect in a relaxed and approachable way is incredibly valuable for the town, and we’re proud to support something that brings the business community closer together.”
Henley Business Buzz will take place on the fourth Thursday of each month, with the next event scheduled for Thursday, April 23.
All businesses, entrepreneurs, and professionals in the area are welcome to attend.
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