Rimjhim denied spot outside Winchester Cathedral for coronation

Rimjhim served hundreds of people for free outside Winchester Cathedral for the Queen’s funeral in September. However, the team was “heart-broken” to be turned away this time.

The restaurant, in City Road, was forced to move its base to Great Minster Street where it served 700 people in the rain on Saturday, May 6.

READ MORE: Indian restaurant dishes up free food to mourners at Winchester Cathedral

Rimjhim owner Ahmed Showquat, 53, said: “Myself and a friend went to the cathedral office weeks before to get permission and they said it was fine and then another person at the coffee shop said it was no problem.

“But on coronation day, two gentlemen came over from the cathedral refectory to say that we weren’t allowed to give out food there.

“I was heart-broken and really sad. If we hadn’t agreed we would have made a different plan but I’d invited the whole community and they were expecting us outside the cathedral.

“We wasted 300 portions due to the problems of getting into the grounds. It was a punch to the heart. In the end, we served food out of the van from the containers and people still came with their umbrellas.”

Mr Showquat was accompanied by close friend Jay Brown who agreed that the cathedral and its cafe gave the go-ahead before changing its mind.

Mr Bown said: "We were doing it out of goodwill, not publicity but they were adamant we couldn't be there.

"A lot of people missed out and asked where we were. I don't want the cathedral taking credit for something they tried to stop."

SEE ALSO: Coronation: Service and screening held at Winchester Cathedral

Another friend of Mr Showquat, Anne Smith, from Teg Down, said: “The whole clergy came out for the Queen’s funeral and it was lovely. But this time it was a different story, and I am disgusted that the cathedral wouldn’t let them in. I’m angry. I think it’s because the cathedral wasn’t getting any money out of it.”

A cathedral spokesperson said: “It is correct that Rimjhim set up a stand offering free food during the screening of Queen Elizabeth’s funeral last September. However, they had not sought the cathedral’s permission and were subsequently advised this was both courteous and necessary, something we ask of any business or activity which would like to operate outside the cathedral building.

“We were appreciative that Rimjhim approached this several weeks ago to seek approval, and they were advised that because they offer catering, it was essential to gain permission from the cathedral’s catering company who have an exclusivity contract. This permission wasn’t granted and we were happy that Rimjhim gracefully accepted this decision and set up their stand outside the cathedral grounds on Saturday.”