Building a Restaurant Website That Transformed a Local Business

A few weeks ago, I walked past Gup Shup — Chit Chat Chai in Collier Row and noticed something: amazing authentic Indo-Pakistani food, a warm atmosphere, but no website. No online ordering. No digital presence.

Being a web developer and someone who cares deeply about my local community, I couldn't just walk by. I reached out to Mohasin Khan, the owner, and said, "Let me help you get online."

Fast forward to today, and I've completed a comprehensive website for Gup Shup.

Core features

• 9 fully responsive custom pages
• Toast POS ordering integration for seamless online orders
• Toast Tables reservation system
• Toast Loyalty rewards program
• Live opening-status indicator
• Local SEO optimisation for "Indo-Pakistani restaurant Romford"
• Mobile-first design with custom green & yellow branding
• Instagram video integration and an interactive gallery

Technical highlights

• React.js and Node.js full-stack development
• Schema markup for enhanced local search
• Google Maps integration
• Dark mode with brand-consistent theming
• Accessibility features (ARIA labels, semantic HTML)
• Performance optimisation for fast loading

Post-launch enhancements

After the initial launch, I added navigation enhancements and footer action buttons, redesigned the Order Online page with delivery-partner integration, and implemented a range of technical fixes to perfect the user experience.

Why I did this

Because I believe that when local businesses thrive, our community thrives — and I have the skills to make that happen. There are so many incredible small businesses in Romford and beyond that deserve a strong online presence.

If you know a local business that could use help building a new website, maintaining an existing one, or streamlining operations through custom tech, I'd love to hear about it.

Visit Gup Shup — Chit Chat Chai at 3 Clockhouse Lane, Collier Row, Romford, RM5 3PH, or online at gupshupchitchatchai.com.