Ten Questions: Mohammed Khan, founder of Ignite

Published on Saturday 29 August 2009 11:29

Mohammed Khan, 41, is founder of Ignite in Morrison St and lives in Merchiston

1 What is your earliest memory of Edinburgh? I came here from Bangladesh when I was nine years old and the first thing I noticed was that it was very cold.

2 What are your memories of school? I went to James Gillespie's and to a language school for three or four years as well, so my memories of school are of lots of hard work.

3 Where is your favourite place in Edinburgh and why? Arthur's Seat. It's so peaceful and you can see the whole city from there.

4 What are the best things about Edinburgh? The people are very friendly, it's got a fascinating history and it's small enough to get round quickly and easily.

5 What would you change about the city? Definitely the weather – we could do with a lot more sunshine!

6 Describe a perfect Edinburgh day/night out. I'd go shopping in Princes St with my wife and children then we'd have lunch in George Street. In the evening we'd stay in and watch a movie. I would probably also work on new flavour combinations and get my family to try them out.

7 Which sports interest you? I used to play a lot of squash, but I haven't got the time any more. I am a big football fan and watch most of the major league games in Europe on TV.

8 What was your most embarrassing moment? When Ignite first opened, a customer went into the gents and when he had been in there for quite a long time, his wife got worried and asked us to check on him. We discovered that the lock had jammed and he was unable to get out. We were able to free him and we got the lock fixed. The customer still comes in regularly, five years later, but he tells us he always takes his mobile in with him now, just in case!

9 What is your greatest achievement? Opening Ignite and seeing it become successful. My aim was to open a restaurant that was unlike other Indian restaurants. I wanted it to be cool and contemporary and to focus on combining the best Scottish produce with great Northern Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine.

10 Sum up Edinburgh in three words. Unique, welcoming and peaceful.