A new Indian restaurant with a difference is set to open in Darlington and anticipation has been growing.
Babul’s in Barnard Castle has a good reputation for quality Indian cuisine that doesn't break the bank, and now the Darlington family behind the restaurant is over the moon to be opening another, this time in Darlington.
Located in Darlington’s Imperial Quarter, the space once occupied by Pizza Express will now be an ideal place to have a South Asian meal on a night out.
The Northern Echo headed to Babul’s on Skinnergate to have a look inside ahead of the official opening today (Friday, October 14).
Read more: Why historian who discovered King Richard III's grave is returning to Darlington this week
Zak Ahmed, artistic director, said: “It’s been fourteen months in the making and we’re really looking forward to opening and showing everyone what we’re about.
“We’re different because we don’t use artificial food colouring, we don’t use sugar and we don’t use loads of cream in our dishes and we’re also a nut-free restaurant. Also, our décor is quite unique so I think we’re different to a lot of restaurants, not just Indian restaurants.
“We do authentic Indian food with some modern twists, like street-food, and there are some British influences too.”
Shuhel Ahmed, commercial director, said: “A lot of work has gone into this, so much work behind the scenes so it’s a relief to be finally opening.
“Our menu is very similar to the menu at our Barnard Castle with some changes. Our Babul’s Masala is healthier than most chicken tikka masalas you find in Indian restaurants. We’ve also put a lot of thought into the layout of the restaurant, we want every table.
“This is a great part of town so we hope that more people will be encouraged to come out and give it a try because this is a great area.”
Read more: Police want to speak to this man following suspected burglary at Next in Darlington
The spacious eatery has an extension at the back for private dining, a great option for nights out.
Very soon the restaurant will be open on a morning, operating as a café so that shoppers can pop in for a coffee.
Ipads are placed at each table for ordering drinks only. The idea behind this is it’s a quicker way of ordering and seemed pretty simple.
The cocktail menu is also sure to be a hit with locals with drinks including; a Punjabi Mojito with Five Rivers Indian rum, passionfruit and ginger and with jaggery instead of white sugar, a Princess Jasmine with prosecco, lychee and elderflower, and The Sultan which is similar to an espresso martini but with the addition of salted caramel.
Zak said: “We have a welcoming atmosphere. It’s not fine dining, it’s casual and easy-going and good value for money.”
The restaurant is named after Zak and Shuhel's father who opened the Barnard Castle restaurant which was orginally named Spice Island.
Read next:
- Warning to Darlington parents over uptake of MMR vaccine in children
- Pedestrian left critically injured as man arrested after alleged 'hit and run'
- Police release image of man after woman sexually assaulted in North East street
If you want to read more great stories, why not subscribe to your Northern Echo for as little as £1.25 a week. Click here.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel