The Regency Society of Brighton and Hove has restored the grave of Sake Deen Mahomed, a pioneering Anglo-Indian figure credited with introducing curry, shampooing, and Indian massage to Britain. Mahomed, who lived in Brighton for over 40 years, died in 1851 and was buried at St Nicholas’ Churchyard.
- His grave had fallen into disrepair, but the society has now reinstated the headstone and surrounding features to honour his legacy.
- Mahomed also opened Britain’s first Indian restaurant and served as “shampooing surgeon” to two British monarchs.
A forgotten grave in Brighton has been given new life — and with it, the legacy of one of Britain’s earliest cultural trailblazers.
Sake Deen Mahomed, an Anglo-Indian entrepreneur, author, and wellness innovator, has been honoured with a full restoration of his headstone at St Nicholas’ Churchyard, where he was buried in 1851. The initiative was led by the Regency Society of Brighton and Hove, which described Mahomed as one of the city’s most enterprising historical figures.
Born in Patna, India, in 1759, Mahomed made history in multiple ways. He opened Britain’s first Indian restaurant — the Hindoostane Coffee House — in London in 1810, and later introduced therapeutic Indian massage to Brighton through his indoor bathhouse in Pool Valley. His technique, known as champi, became the root of the English word “shampoo.”
Mahomed’s spa business flourished, attracting elite clientele and earning him the title of “shampooing surgeon” to King George IV and King William IV. He is also believed to be the first Indian to publish a book in English, further cementing his place in literary and cultural history.
The restoration effort involved clearing the overgrown site, repairing the headstone, and reinstating the kerbs and footstone. The Regency Society says the project is part of a broader mission to preserve Brighton’s diverse heritage and ensure that stories like Mahomed’s are not lost to time.
“Sake Deen Mahomed’s contributions to British culture — from cuisine to wellness — deserve recognition,” said James Tulley, Vice Chair of the Society. “Restoring his grave ensures future generations understand the depth of his impact.”
