A local photographer has given a Warwick restaurant a "wonderful" image to proudly display and help promote the rich culture behind the eatery.

Jim Crabtree presented the image called 'Bath Time' to Fusion Clan this month, after being invited down for a "super meal" at the Smith Street restaurant.

The photograph - which won a competition to be displayed at Gallery Photiq in Leamington Spa - shows an elephant being washed in a river in Kerala, where the cuisine of Fusion Clan originates.

A member of Leamington Spa Photographic Society, Jim took the image while on holiday in 2018, his first return to India after working there for two-and-a-half years some two decades beforehand.

Jim Crabtree called the photograph 'Bath Time' (image by Jim Crabtree)

"I was out walking one day, taking photos of where we were staying and I came past this incredible scene of this large elephant being washed in the river by some men using scrubbing brushes and so on," he told Nub News. 

"I was absolutely blown away by it and took the photograph."

He added: "That photograph of the elephant felt really unique, I thought it was ideal for the competition and exhibition.

"I had never seen anything like it anywhere else."

The photograph then caught the eye of Fusion Clan co-owner Aby Joseph who reached out to Jim to invite him to come for a meal and to explain more about the background to the snap.

Jim was invited for a meal at Fusion Clan where he presented a copy of the photograph (image via Fusion Clan)

Jim continued: "The next thing I know is, Aby rang me and said he loved my photograph and wanted to know more about it. 

"He thought it was wonderful and invited me over to dine with them. 

"So I thought the least I could do is get him a print of the photograph to put on the wall of the restaurant. 

"We had an absolutely super meal and I handed over the photograph."

First opened in January 2024, Fusion Clan is run by Aby, Thomas P Mathew and chef Joshi Johny who has over 20 years experience in kitchens in the UK.

When the restaurant first opened, the team had a vision of bringing the world-famous spices of Kerala to Warwickshire, bringing fusion flavours to traditional western food, as well as casting a spotlight on the region's rich culinary history.

Fusion Clan first opened in January 2024 (image by Nub News)

"A lot of people in this country have never heard of Kerala, its spices and its history, and how much the region has brought to food across the world," Aby said.

"Our goal at Fusion Clan is to bring fantastic food to Warwick, but also to educate people on Kerala and its history.

"So when I saw Jim's fantastic photograph, I had to find out more.

"The image is so striking, and it immediately caught my eye.

"I am very grateful to Jim for joining us and kindly presenting us with a copy of the photograph which we have proudly displayed in the restaurant." 

To find out more, and to see the menu, head to the Fusion Clan website here.

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Without community-minded partners like them, we would not be able to bring clickbait-free news to the people of Warwick.

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