Taipan Asia to open in former JJ's bar on Crown Street in Darlington

Opening up in the former site of JJ's, Aspire and Bijou on Crown Street - Taipan Asia will next month start to showcase its range of Japanese, Thai, and Chinese dishes.

Spanning two floors, the venue will also feature a champagne bar and two cocktail bars to offer future customers a chance to have a full experience, not just a meal out. 

Taipan Asia will open in the former JJ's venue (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

In the build-up to the opening, the restaurant and bar had to undergo a full re-fit and, over the last couple of months, the former JJ's bar building has been converted to an unrecognisable look.

Despite the final touches needed - its owner, Lee Corner and his partner Apple, have said that he and his team are ready for the challenge. 

Mr Corner might seem familiar to some, given that he opened Thai Terminal One restaurant near Teesside Airport - and has enjoyed growing the brand to become one of the best restaurants in and around Darlington on TripAdvisor. 

With the future of the business in mind, Mr Corner, who also works as a mechanic in the day and works at the restaurant in the evening, has promised customers a "high-end experience" but at a reasonable price tag. 

 He said: "We love Darlington, and after building up our name at our other venue - we want to bring our food to the centre of Darlington. 

"Since we started to do a little bit of a sneak peek of the venue online - things have gone mad. 

The front door of Taipan Asia (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

"We have gone high end - but hopefully from the video we have revealed of the new restaurant, people can see how much work we've put in. 

"People can expect the VIP treatment, with all of the great service, and the tailored experience, but people won't have to spend a massive amount."

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Since putting the signage up at Taipan Asia, Mr Corner says he has experienced a lot of interest from people - and already has about 400 people interested in trying the restaurant. 

Despite the temptation of having a grand opening, though, the new owner says he's going to be going for a soft launch approach with small groups, so he and his staff can comfortably build into the new venture. 

He added: "We hope people enjoy the new restaurant when it opens. it's been a fantastic but scary experience to set up the new challenge, and we're excited for the next chapter."