Diners are set to be “immersed in a world of culinary artistry” as a new restaurant readies for launch in Middlesbrough. 

Bazaar - a restaurant concept from Tarek Thoma, the man behind The Oven Restaurant on Linthorpe Road - is just days away from opening the doors in Captain Cook Square. 

The venue has been promised to “be like nothing else on offer”, featuring an open kitchen, “exquisite” food, and flavours from across the globe. 

And this week, new images have shown of the elegant interior of the restaurant, which features hanging foliage, stylish furniture, and an Italian copper pizza oven. 

Captain Cook Square, in MiddlesbroughCaptain Cook Square, in Middlesbrough (Image: Dan Bolam/Captain Cook Square)

Works have been continuing on the unit - located in the heart of the town - for several months, and an opening date has finally been confirmed for July 31. 

Tarek has an extensive background in the culinary world, having worked at Michelin Star kitchens including L’Escargot in London.

He also famously cooked for former Prime Minister Tony Blair and US President George Bush while at the Dun Cow in Sedgefield in 2003.

Speaking last year, he said he thought people would be “blown away” by the interior of the venue, which was designed by local firm Cocoon and Bauer. 

While Bazaar will officially open at the end of the month, it is expected to host a soft launch next week before cutting the ribbon on the site.

It will mark the latest addition to Captain Cook Square, which is in the midst of a huge regeneration in a bid to transform it into a leisure destination.

Go-karting venue Level X opened up last year, and was joined this year by American fast food chain Wendy’s, which launched in the former Thomas the Baker. 

While gaming venue The Wired Lobby, which opened late last year, remains closed, the complex will soon be home to a Fun Shack soft play centre and Inflatespace inflatable theme park. 

An opening date has not yet been confirmed for the £2.5m state-of-the-art soft play centre - although it is earmarked to welcome its first visitors this summer.

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Captain Cook Square is also expected to welcome a boutique cinema in the future, although details regarding this project remain under wraps. 

Speaking outside the venue earlier this week in a video posted on Facebook, Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke said: “[It is a] really exciting opportunity [and] really exciting investment which is going to set the town centre apart. 

“It is an amazing venue and I really encourage people to go take a look to get a chance.”