Our Story
WELCOME TO 1498 THE SPICE AFFAIR
” An Indo-Portuguese Gastronomy Romance “
1498 The Spice Affair was first launched in the Lincolnshire town of Spalding in 2014 where it operated from the Red Lion Hotel. Under the guidance of Chef Owner Loyd, the restaurant gained an enviable reputation in the region and a loyal customer based who were wowed by the subtle yet exotic flavours of authentic Goan food.
The sale of the hotel led to the restaurant relocating to Peterborough in 2021 where Loyd took on and refurbished a beautiful 16th-century building that had previously been home to the city’s Ex Flying Services Club and Prévost.
Stylish décor, wooden floors, and a new bar were perfectly blended with the historic features of the building to create a dining environment that is modern, inviting and clean, complete with a new kitchen where customers can see their food being cooked.
Tucked just off the city’s Cathedral Square and Bridge Street shopping areas, the restaurant is a hidden gem in the heart of multicultural and vibrant Peterborough.
Born and raised in the union territory (Portuguese colony) of Goa, Daman & Diu, Loyd is passionate about producing and introducing this unique cuisine to diners.
Trained under a Michelin-star chef, he and his team of chefs are among just a few in the country creating authentic Goan dishes based on traditional recipes. Using the spices of Goa and the freshest ingredients, they provide a true taste of the exotic that has been perfectly mellowed over hundreds of years for western tastes.
The History
From Goa to Peterborough…
1498 The Spice Affair may have been established in Peterborough in 2021 but the journey to get there took hundreds of years…
It was in the year 1498 that Portuguese Explorer, Vasco da Gama opened the first maritime trade route between Europe and Asia.
The Portuguese traded gold in return for Indian spices and silk, which led to the beginning of the spicy Indo-Portuguese gastronomic romance. Over the years, the fiery food of the region was mellowed to accommodate gentler European palates.
The best of both worlds has been absorbed and knitted into a culture very distinctly different from that of mainland India and is reflected in its unique cuisine.
Unbeknownst to most people, it was actually the Portuguese who introduced chillies to India from South America almost 500 years ago.
