Kitchen king MANU RAMJI transforms a shabby apartment in London into a splendid, elegant home.
You just have to admire the Indian immigrants who chose to make Britain their home after they were driven out of Idi Amin’s Uganda. In spite of leaving all their earnings behind and having to start afresh, many of them are stalwarts in their own right today and have contributed immensely to Britain’s economy.
When Manu Ramji’s family moved to Africa in the 1970s, he was just eight years old. Though not a part of the influx, he came to Britain in the mid-80s with a dream to make it big like so many others before him. Admirably, he succeeded all on his own — which makes success that much sweeter. Perhaps it is his kindness and magnanimity that has won the hearts of his community here, and it is these self-same qualities that can be seen embodied in his home at Sudbury Hill, north-west London.
Manu habitually shuns the limelight, keeps a low profile and is modest about the millionaire status he achieved at the young age of 36. When the apartment was purchased by him about a year ago, it was in shambles, discloses wife Kanta. “We had to virtually erase the whole thing and start from scratch,” she adds. Soft colours add
The Ramji family: Manu, Kanta, Hema and Deepak.
The main living-room is simply decorated — save for the grand Spanish chandelier, the unique coffee-table and a statue of Meera playing the tanpura.
Another Spanish chandelier hangs in the master bedroom, while the open door overlooks the garden.
Brightness and warmth to this now splendid apartment, which epitomises its owner’s warmth.
It was Manu who decided on the interiors too, often shuttling between his home and office in order to supervise the work, paying attention to every minute detail. “There are still a few things left to be done,” says the meticulous householder.
The spacious and very airy living-room is simple and conveys a homely and comfortable feeling. The only touch of grandeur is provided by the Spanish chandelier, specially made and dispatched by an on-board courier from Spain, through Manu’s business contacts. “It’s an exclusive piece,” he claims proudly.
An ethnic touch is provided by a statue of Meera playing
Manu spends his leisure time in this study.
…the tanpura, picked up on one of his frequent visits to Bombay. “I go there at least once or twice a year,” says Manu, whose parents live in Gujarat. “I like it there, although it’s getting a bit too crowded.”
The unique coffee-table with its set of six stools, picked up at an exhibition in Birmingham, complements the carpet. “We spend a lot of time here,” says Kanta, who chose the curtains for this room.
Manu’s favourite spot, however, is the conservatory. Sunlight being such a rare commodity in Britain, this is perhaps one way of making the most of it. It is like stepping into a cottage in the English countryside. Manu’s expertise in flooring is well-complemented by the floral upholstery and cane furniture (picked up from John Lewis departmental store).
Daughter Hema’s bedroom on the first floor.
Is it any wonder that most of their house parties end up here? “It’s quite relaxing in the evenings after a long day’s work,” adds Manu, who revels in the sunshine it brings into his life. Whenever he has some rare leisure time, he spends it in the study.
Kitchens, however, are his forte, as his work revolves around them. His company, King’s Kitchens, is one of the major suppliers of home appliances in Britain. Naturally, his own kitchen stands out in appearance and style. Using trade contacts, the cabinet doors were specially picked and imported from Italy. The semi-circular granite dining-table, chosen to optimise space, was Manu’s brainchild. Mini lamps on the ceiling add that touch of sparkle which makes this kitchen different from the norm. “It was something I always had in mind,” he admits.
The beautifully designed kitchen has PVC doors and a semi-circular granite table.
There are four bedrooms upstairs, including a guest room. “There’s always a guest at our home,” discloses Manu, who loves entertaining. He often throws parties for his staff at his residence. “We are all one big family,” he insists.
Manu is well-known in his community for his generous donations, especially to the Swami Narayan Temple in Harrow. “It is always nice to give something back to the community,” he says. During the weekends Manu plays badminton, while in summer it’s cricket for him. Although Kanta is essentially a housewife looking after her children Hema and Deepak, she does occasionally play the queen — at the King’s Kitchen!
Text: Kevin Rego
Photographs: Angus Thompson