In the heart of Liverpool, a dining destination is redefining what it means to eat out. The Grand by Ikkayees is more than a restaurant – it’s a cultural experience, weaving together food, heritage, and community spirit.
Stepping inside The Grand feels like stepping into India itself. The menu is designed to reflect the country’s “unity in diversity,” with dishes that travel across states and traditions. From the fiery curries of Kerala to the royal kitchens of Rajasthan, from Hyderabad’s famous biryanis to Punjab’s comforting rotis and butter chicken, every plate carries a story. Regular cultural events and food festivals add to the atmosphere, turning the space into a celebration of India’s heritage.
One of the restaurant’s boldest projects is the All India Trip, an initiative where the Ikkayees team travelled across India to bring flavours, stories, and traditions back to Liverpool. The journey spanned Kerala’s backwaters, Rajasthan’s palaces, Gujarat’s colourful festivals, and Karnataka’s buzzing street food culture. Documented by Akshay Kozhikode and Hynas Wayanad, the travels have been shared through videos, blogs, and reels – giving UK audiences a window into India’s vibrant diversity.
The story of Ikkayees began humbly in 2016, when a group of college students invested Rs eight lakh to start a yellow food truck on Kozhikode beach, Kerala. It wasn’t just about food – it was about purpose. The truck provided a platform for women from disadvantaged backgrounds, including widows and homemakers, to showcase their cooking.
Community compassion has always been at the heart of Ikkayees. At their Kozhikode outlet, the initiative “Sulaimaniyil Orithiri Mohabath” (A Little Love in Sulaimani Tea) donated money from every tea sold to people in need. During the Nipah virus outbreak, the Kerala floods of 2018 and 2019, and the COVID-19 pandemic, Ikkayees kitchens cooked and delivered meals to affected communities.
By 2020, Ikkayees had grown from a food truck into an international brand. Today, it boasts a turnover of Rs 80 crore, eight branches worldwide, and more than 250 team members. The brand’s name itself carries a legacy. As students, the founders often gathered at a small tea shop run by a man known as Ikkakka – an affectionate term for “elder brother” in Kerala’s Muslim community. He sold tea for just one rupee, not for profit but out of kindness. Inspired by his generosity, the founders named their venture Ikkayees, in honour of his compassion.
Now, with The Grand in Liverpool, the team is creating what they call “compassion hubs” – spaces where food is served with love and authenticity. Led by founder Fulaij Nelliyot, directors Shafrin Nelliyot, Muhammed Arafath Kachinamthoduka, Shyam Prabhakar, and COO Prabeesh Kumar Krishna Nair, the leadership balances ambitious global expansion with a strong commitment to their core values.
From Kozhikode beach to the streets of Liverpool, the journey of Ikkayees is a story of food, culture, and compassion, proving that a simple plate of food can carry love across continents.
