A restaurant inspired by its Hollywood namesake will be opening in a North East town this weekend.

Owner Farah Omar, 45, from Newcastle, has said his restaurant Rocky's will be trialling an opening in Hetton-le-Hole, Sunderland on Sunday (October 15), and will fully open to customers on Monday (October 16).

The business was originally called Zucca before closing a few years ago, and there were plans to rebrand the eatery under the Porky's banner, however this did not work out.

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Despite signage being up, Mr Omar decided to rework the existing letters and settled on 'Rocky's,' which he says was influenced by the titular character of Sylvester Stallone's classic Rocky films.

He said he was looking forward to welcoming his old customers back following his older restaurant's closure.

"The opening's going to be on Sunday, which is to see how the kitchen works, but the proper grand opening is going to be Monday for the full menu.

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The Northern Echo: Farah Omar

"The inside looks American, you've got different walls with movie stars [on them], it's mint.

"I just want to get it right, I did open the first time, it did well and everybody loved it.

"It is happening, I'm looking forward to seeing everybody back in to dine with us.

Mr Omar added the cost-of-living has created a difficult environment for everyone, and said he has planned his menu to be affordable to combat this.

He added the restaurant is decorated with a wide variety of movie posters which starred blockbuster actors, including Stallone and Schwarzenegger.

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He said he is currently looking for more chefs for the restaurant, and said there will be jobs available for the right candidates.

He said the venue will open between 2 and 3pm and close at 9pm on Monday.

Following this, the venue will be open from 3 pm to 9pm, Tuesday to Thursday, 12pm to 10pm on Friday and Saturday, and 12pm to 5pm on Sunday.

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