28/02/2026
My name is Aftab Ali, and I am incredibly proud to be the owner of the Elephant Group of Indian restaurants across Lancashire.
My story began in the beautiful Rossendale Valley — the place I still call home and hold close to my heart. As a teenager in the late 1980s, I started working part-time in a local Indian restaurant. I was just a young lad with big dreams and a strong work ethic. After leaving school, I became a full-time waiter at Anaz in Darwen, owned by Mr. Ali, which is still thriving today. Soon after, in 1988, I joined Sagar Indian in Blackrod. Those two restaurants were my real education. They didn’t just teach me about food and service — they taught me discipline, respect, and how to treat customers like family.
By 1994, I had a dream in my heart: to open a restaurant of my own and serve the people of Lancashire with pride. I opened Veena in Chorley. The early years were challenging — I was still learning every single day, juggling long hours, pressure, and responsibility. We did well, but the lack of a car park made things difficult. Still, I never gave up. I believed that hard work and honesty would always find a way.
Then in 2001 came the biggest turning point of my life. I opened The Blue Elephant — a large, contemporary Indian restaurant and bar. It was a huge step, a huge risk, and a huge investment — but it paid off. Seeing families celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and special moments in a place I had built from the ground up was something I will never forget. It wasn’t just a business — it was my pride.
I then opened Blue Elephant in Scarisbrick, a 165-seater restaurant built with an investment of over £600,000. It was another bold move, but by then I had learned that growth only comes when you believe in yourself.
In December 2007, Baby Elephant in Shevington was born. A smaller venue with around 80 seats, but full of heart. I always say it was like a Mini Cooper that drove like a Ferrari — small in size, but full of power and personality. Even Monday nights felt like Saturday evenings. The love and support from the community meant everything to me.
Next came Babar Elephant in Lancaster. There were already Indian restaurants there, but we brought something different — passion, quality, and consistency. Today we serve around 1,000 loyal customers every week, and that loyalty humbles me deeply.
And now, Babar Elephant in Billinge — the place that feels closest to my heart. Situated between Wigan and St Helens, it has become more than just a restaurant to me. Last year, I invested nearly half a million pounds refurbishing it because I believe the people here deserve the very best. When I say there aren’t many Indian restaurants better than this one, I don’t say it out of pride — I say it because of the love, care, and standards we pour into it every single day.
But the real success behind all of this is not the buildings, the seats, or the investment. It’s the people. The families who have been coming for decades. The customers who started as guests and became friends. The communities that supported a young man with a dream.
Everything I have achieved is because of you.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for standing by me, believing in me, and allowing me to serve you for all these years. Your loyalty means the world to me, and I promise to continue giving you my very best for many years to come.
With love and gratitude,
AFTAB Ali
