Desi pub honoured by Jay Rayner's glowing review

Jay Rayner said he dined at the pub after interviewing the director of a new documentary Desi Pubs for Radio 4’s Kitchen Cabinet

BBC Jay is wearing a pink floral shirt and has glassed and headphones on — Jay Rayner said he dined at the pub after interviewing the director of a new documentary Desi Pubs for Radio 4’s Kitchen Cabinet

The landlord of a Desi pub in Wolverhampton said it was a shock and an honour to receive a glowing review from revered food critic Jay Rayner.

The Desi Yew Tree in Graiseley was described by Rayner in his review for The Guardian as having "real star potential" and being "part of the brilliance of Desi pub culture" - where predominantly Indian food is served along with alcohol.

After interviewing the director of a documentary about the scene for BBC Radio 4, Masterchef judge Rayner said he was inspired to try one himself.

Joint owner Pete Banga, who has been at the pub for 20 years, said it showed "all our hard work had paid off".

Pete Banga said he told staff to 'carry on as normal'

Desi Yew Tree Pete is wearing a black top and is stood in the bar area of his pub — Pete Banga said he told staff to 'carry on as normal'

"I don't really watch Masterchef a lot, so yeah we were really surprised," he said.

"I think [the staff] were a bit shocked.

"You know I think they were thinking that he usually goes to high-end restaurants so for him to come to ours, they were like 'wow, what's he doing here'?

"But we said 'just carry on normally, just do what we do' and yes, he was really, really happy with the food."

The Desi pub has been run by Mr Banga for 20 years

Desi Yew Tree Three bowls of food are sat on a table. One is yellow rice, two are curry dishes — The Desi pub has been run by Mr Banga for 20 years

Desi pubs have become widely known within the West Midlands in recent years as well as becoming established in other towns and cities.

Historically, Desi landlords have taken over failing pubs and turned them into successful food and drink businesses.

"I think the Desi pub is really popular in the Midlands at the moment," Mr Banga said.

"Instead of going out to the pub to have a few pints, now you come out with the whole family... the family can all sit down together, you can watch the football, have a couple of drinks, have some food and go home instead of going out to restaurants where you've got to be a bit more reserved.

"You're in a bit of a homely place and you can just chill out more."

Ranny Gill jointly runs the pub in Graiseley with Mr Banga

Desi Yew Tree Ranny is wearing a black top and is smiling at the camera stood in his bar area — Ranny Gill jointly runs the pub in Graiseley with Mr Banga

Mr Banga, who jointly runs the pub with Ranny Gill, said to be paid the compliment of being "part of the brilliance" of the culture was "amazing".

"For someone like Jay Rayner to come down and give us that glowing review it's amazing for us," he said.

He added they already had a good, loyal customer following which had supported them since they set up.

Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.

Desi pub honoured by Jay Rayner's glowing review

'Desi pubs are a multicultural success story'

'Bringing the curries to the pub'

Desi Yew Tree

Appeal to back city's bid for annual Recovery Walk

Teacher banned after inappropriate restraint

'I didn't think I'd go to college, until I found T-levels'

Fan favourite pub could become guest house

Pub fights noise complaints from neighbour

'Heart of Corby' to hold fundraising evening

Plans to turn vacant pub into shop refused

Banks's Mild and Bombardier among ales axed by brewer