Customers pay tribute after death of 'true gent' Doncaster restaurant boss

Customers have flocked to pay tribute to a pioneering Doncaster restaurant both following his death, describing him as a ‘true gent,’ a ‘Doncaster legend’ and an ‘icon.’

Karim Din, who set up much loved Doncaster Indian restaurant The Indus in the 1960s, died earlier this week at the age of 88.

In its heyday, the Silver Street restaurant welcomed stars such as comedian Sir Billy Connolly, entertainer Freddie Star and was a regular haunt of England cricket icon Lord Ian Botham, who became pals with Mr Din.

Diners have been paying tribute following the announcement.

One said: Sending love to the family, Karim was such a lovely gentleman, those good old days at the Indus will always be remembered.

Another added: “Karim was such a gent was a pleasure working for him - condolences to all the family.”

Another posted: “He was a true gent, a Doncaster legend and an icon. RIP.”

“R.I.P Karim had some great nights and amazing food in the Indus back in the day,” shared another.

Another posted: “RIP Karim, enjoyed my first curry at the Indus back in the early 70's - always a pleasure to see Karim, such a nice man - and their chicken korma was the best.

“Never had one as nice anywhere since.”

Another shared: “RIP Mr Din. Such a kind man. My condolences to the family.”

“So sad to hear this. The Indus was iconic and I spent may a happy evening in there. Condolences to all his family,” another diner wrote.

“Lots of memories of the Indus in the 70s and the best Indian food still in my mind,” another former customer posted.

He opened the restaurant in 1968 - and It was revolutionary in its very nature - no flock wall paper, no Indian music and no small cramped tables.

It became one of Yorkshire’s most popular restaurants - and it famously provided all the food for Lord Ian Botham;s legendary charity walks in aid of Leukaemia Research before its closure in 2005.

The family which established the original eaterie brought the name back to Doncaster in 2020, opening a new Indus restaurant at The Grand St Leger Hotel on Bennetthorpe.