Iky Khan–Restauranteur and Resident
How long have you and your family been in Covent Garden?
We moved here in 1987. I actually came from Manchester originally and when we first arrived in London we lived in the East End, so it was very different from Covent Garden.
What is it like as a community?
It’s wonderful. You couldn’t ask for a better community. There are so many amenities and you are really looked after by the authorities. My kids go to the school literally across the road and I think that their education is better than any private school. Everyone knows everyone and we have made a lot of good friends here.
Is there still an air of competition between all the shops and restaurants?
I’d be lying if I said there wasn’t. However, everyone has got their own thing going on and each place attracts different clientele. It is difficult, especially because there are four other Italian restaurants on the road, but we all get our fair share. My other branch in Jubilee Market, Bistro Express, is almost ninety-five percent regulars so it just depends on who your customers are.
What do you like most about Covent Garden, as a resident and restauranteur?
When I walk up James Street with my kids at the weekend I honestly feel like I’m on vacation. It’s very safe here for my children. I can walk into the GP without an appointment and last week, when my father had a bike accident, everyone from the Charles Dickens came out and helped him. You just don’t expect this from Central London.
By Gabriella Patterson
Find Iky’s Bistro Italiano on 15 Catherine Street, WC2B 5JZ, 0207-508-0002
(2 votes, average: 4.50 out of 5)
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