TGt Meets... Jane Shayegan from Raphael

For our series of TGt Meets interviews celebrating local independent businesses, we interviewed Jane Shayegan from the restaurant Raphael. We talk about her triumphs and challenges over her time in the city.

Describe your business in one sentence…

Raphael is a much-loved restaurant serving European inspired, modern British food in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.

What inspired you to set up your business in Bath?

We were inspired to open Raphael as this is where we first met, in the 1980s when it was Bloomers Wine Bar. The business changed hands a few times over the years and when it came for sale in 2001 it felt right to be back there again, a romantic place to be setting up our new restaurant!

Why do you think it is important to have a month celebrating Bath’s Independent Retailers?

I think it is important to recognise all the hard work and commitment that independent businesses put into Bath, all trying to ensure that Bath stays a unique place to live and visit, whether it is to eat and drink or just shop. We are proud of our beautiful city and want people to share the experience!

In your opinion, what are Bath’s top 3 ‘Hidden Gems’?

The Darling Deli in Combe Down for their amazing salads

Dufflebag in the Guildhall Market  - Gill Bell has a fantastic selection of bags

Running Bath – excellent helpful staff

What do you think attracts people to Bath?

People are attracted to Bath as it is full of history, beautiful architecture and unique independent shops and restaurants owned by businesses that care passionately about their city.  We are so lucky to have the various literature, art and music festivals in Bath, all of which attract many visitors to the city, and to be so well supported by the fantastic Bath Bid and Visit Bath.

What have been your key challenges and how have you overcome them?

The main challenge we have faced is the recession, people have less disposable income and this combined with the fact that big chain restaurants often produce their food in central kitchens, enabling them to keep costs down without the need for trained chefs, is a real challenge to us.

The public in general would prefer to eat good food that is freshly cooked and we use local suppliers as much as possible, for example, Eades greengrocers, which are also a family business and fresh fish from Dorset.

Where is your favourite place to eat in Bath?

Our favourite places to eat are  - The Peking House for Chinese food, The Scallop Shell for fish and chips and The Secret Garden Café at Prior Park Garden Centre for a delicious lunch.

Your phone book must be full of business contacts, but who is the most famous person in there?

As all of our businesses are in close proximity to Bath’s Theatre Royal we often have members of the cast coming for dinner after the show, Raphael is a favourite of  John Cleese and David Suchet. We do however, endeavour to maintain discretion at all times and actually treat all of our customers as if they were the most famous person in the room!

What has been your biggest achievement to date?

At Raphael we had a kitchen fire in February 2016, which meant that we had to close for refurbishment and when we re-opened in September we were delighted to welcome back many of our loyal customers, lots of whom have become good friends and were so pleased to be back again! 

Describe Bath in 3 words

Beautiful, Unique, Historic.