A UK-wide Thai restaurant chain has set out a vision to open a venue in County Durham, which will create up to 30 jobs. 

The Sukho Group, which is behind restaurant venture Zaap has earmarked two units at Durham city’s Riverwalk development which could be transformed into a new food market, complete with Thai graffiti, tuk-tuk seating booths, neon lights, tuk-tuks, colourful bunting, hats and street signs.

The company, which has numerous restaurants in Newcastle, York and Leeds, say that they have been looking for a place to move into in Durham "for some time".

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It is now awaiting confirmation of a licensing application and, once approved, it will create 30 jobs.

A spokesman said: “We’ve been looking for a unit in Durham for a number of years, we love the city, it has a really diverse population comprised of locals and students which is perfect for Zaap.

"There isn’t currently anything like Zaap in Durham. We’ll be completely changing the unit and it will feature our iconic tuk-tuk seating booths, an open kitchen, funky neon lighting and lots of bespoke Thai-inspired graffiti.

The Northern Echo: Zaap is planning to move into Durham's Riverwalk Zaap is planning to move into Durham's Riverwalk (Image: ZAAP)

“Our menu features over 100 Thai street food dishes, with recipes from all areas of Thailand.

"There are classics such as pad Thai and Massaman curry, but also many dishes that you might not have tried before including som tum salad, a range of noodle soups and even a sizzling seafood plate.

"There are options for all including a range of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes – all at an affordable price point. We will also have a huge drinks menu including our much-loved bubble teas, a selection of Asian beers and Thai-inspired cocktails.

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"Our menu features over 100 Thai street food dishes, with recipes from all areas of Thailand.

"There are classics such as pad thai and massaman curry, but also many dishes that you might not have tried before including som tum salad, a range of noodle soups and even a sizzling seafood plate.

"There are options for all including a range of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes – all at an affordable price point.

"We will also have a huge drinks menu including our much-loved bubble teas, a selection of Asian beers and Thai-inspired cocktails."