A few weeks ago, it was confirmed a fifth Pizza restaurant was on the cards in Cathedral Square after Franco Manca announced it’s been given the go-ahead to open.

Although a new hospitality venue in the city centre sounds exciting, our readers suggested the city centre palate could be spiced up with other flavours – perhaps a new Mexican or a Thai restaurant or even a good curry!

Looks like their prayers have been answered as 1498 – The Spice Affair is all set to open on 20 Preistgate on November 11.

This unit was formerly used by Prevost restaurant which closed a few months ago.

Owner and chef Loyd Luis, originally from India's popular beach destination Goa on the West-coast, is looking forward to a fresh start after a challenging year due to the pandemic.

His restaurant 1498- The Spice Affair was serving the people of Spalding for the last seven years – based at The Red Lion Hotel.

But Luis and his team were forced to move out after the hotel changed hands. This coupled with the pandemic challenges proved to be a very stressful year for restaurant.

Nevertheless, they were quick to find a new venue and are now “excited to bring Goa's flavours to Peterborough.”

Speaking to Peterborough Matters, Luis said: “Goan cuisine is very unique – It reflects the combination of Arabian, Portuguese and native cultures which is a blend of richness and simplicity.

"It was in the year 1498 that Vasco Da Gama the Portuguese explorer sailed his way to open the first maritime trade route between Europe ad Asia.

"The Portuguese traded gold for India spices and silk and here began te spicy Indo-Portuguese gastronomic romance.

"Our menu pays homage to this unique cuisine. The food, it’s quite different to the Indian cuisine – and the dishes incorporate a lot of traditional spices and ingredients that are native to the region such as coconut, tamarind, Cashewnuts, curry leaves, red chillies, mangoes and palm vinegar.

“We were based at the Red Lion hotel in Spalding. The hotel got sold in April earlier in the year and we were asked to move as the new owners had ideas of their own.

“We have seen some very stressful time in the last few months. During Covid last year – we were closed mostly. Then come April, we had to move out. So it has been extremely challenging for me and my staff.

“We started to explore options for a new venue and we decided to come to Peterborough. The city has a big Indian Goan community.

“But we were hopeful we would bounce back – we have a good reputation and we are confident to build on it. Our regular customers from Spalding can’t wait to return to our new venue.

“We are very excited – it took some time to get things in order. We are nearly there and we are getting ready to open on November 11.

“The new venue is in such a characterful building and it’s a good spot.

“The menu will have a South Indian spread during the lunch time between 11.30 to 2pm. This is unique to Peterborough.

“And during dinner – starting from 5pm, we will be serving a combination menu of Goan and Indian food.

“We can’t wait to open, especially after the hard times we have been through. We look forward to serving the people of Peterborough and bring our culture to the city.

“Peterborough has a significant Goan community and we are looking forward to bringing their culture to our city.”