Two new businesses have given Northwood Hills a welcome lift in recent weeks.

Hair by Laura and Himalayan Flavour have both opened in Joel Street with the Mayor of Hillingdon, Councillor Allan Kauffman, cutting the ribbon.

Owner of the eatery, Vimalal Bhattarari promises customers a ‘fine dining experience’ with more than 35 years in the industry.

“I began learning my trade in Delhi in 1987 and since then I have worked in restaurants in Mumbai, Kuwait, Nepal and Dubai,” said the 48 year old.

“So our menu is a fusion of all the cooking I have learned.”

The restaurant and takeaway has replaced Indian Kitchen, where Mr Bhattarari used to work as a chef.

The new hair salon replaced SDH Hairdressing in September.

“When the shop came up for sale I just thought: ‘Why not?’,” said owner Laura Kendall, who is 32 and lives in Exmouth Road, South Ruislip.

“It was very off the wall, but I’m young and thought I’d give it a go and it’s going really well.”

Laura completed her hairdressing training in Harpers salon in the same street as a teenager and was working as a mobile hairdresser and teacher.

“So after 17 years, I’m back in Northwood Hills,” she said.