A Message from the Mayor, Celebrating a Spectacular Cultural Evening at The Thomas Paine Hotel

Joe Barreto
Jul 16
2 min read

On Saturday, 12th July, I had the honour of attending a truly memorable evening at The Thomas Paine Hotel, an event that marked the vibrant kickoff to the upcoming Punjab Festival here in Thetford.

The night was alive with music, colour, traditional Indian drumming, and dance, and was made even more special by the presence of a warm, welcoming crowd and the incredible food prepared by Rosie Chetal, co-owner and head chef of the hotel. Her passion for authentic Indian cuisine was evident in every dish, and the evening was a wonderful celebration of culture and community spirit. Guests enjoyed a lavish three-course Indian meal, accompanied by lively entertainment from the Jaggi Brothers’ Bhangra Dhol and music blending Bhangra and Bollywood rhythms.

Twelve years ago, this historic building stood boarded-up and forgotten. Today, thanks to the vision and dedication of Gez and Rosie Chetal, it has become one of Thetford’s most cherished landmarks. What they’ve built is so much more than a hotel, it’s a hub of hospitality, a symbol of transformation, and a proud part of our town’s identity.

The hotel now boasts elegant accommodation, a fantastic restaurant, licensing to host weddings, and is home to the one and only Thomas Paine Museum, honouring one of Thetford’s most influential historical figures and his place of birth.

It was also a joy to see their daughter, Saanchi, playing such an active role on the night. Once just a toddler when this journey began, she is now a solicitor in the making, using every spare moment outside university to support the family business with the same passion and dedication.

And of course, none of this would be possible without the faithful and hardworking team at the Thomas Paine Hotel. Their genuine hospitality, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence shine through in everything they do.

This evening reminded us all what can be achieved with perseverance, community support, and a deep love for what you do. The Thomas Paine Hotel is not just a business, it is a part of Thetford’s heart and history.

To Gez, Rosie, Saanchi, and the entire team, thank you for everything you continue to bring to this town.