Every great restaurant has a beginning. Ours started back in 1995, when Rafique Uddin Babul opened Spice Island in the little market town of Barnard Castle. After years working in kitchens across Bangladesh, Harrogate, Leeds and Darlington, he brought his talent, passion and a pinch of mischief to his very own restaurant.

In 2019, his sons Shuhel and Zak took the reins. They rebranded as Babul’s, a tribute to their father and a promise to carry his legacy forward with fresh energy. The vision was simple: take the heritage of South Asian cuisine, give it a modern spin, and create a space where everyone feels at home.

Fast forward to today and you’ll find Babul’s in Barnard Castle and Darlington, both buzzing with life, flavour and flair. From loaded brunches to bold street food, cocktails that look as good as they taste, and curries that keep people coming back, we’ve built something more than just a restaurant.

Babul’s is about family. It’s about community. It’s about bringing people together to share food, laughter and a story or two. And whether you’ve been with us since 1995 or it’s your first time through the doors, you’re part of that story too.

Revolutionising the way the public perceive Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine. From our unique sharing experience to traditional curries.