A new restaurant is coming to Durham, bringing "award-winning" cuisine to the city after signing a lease for a decade and a half. 

Zaap Thai has announced they will take over a 3,500 sq ft unit on Durham's Riverwalk, alongside other well-known restaurants like Cosy Club, El Pincho tapas bar, TGI Fridays and Turtle Bay.

The award-winning Thai street food chain is set to open its seventh branch this September, having agreed to a 15-year lease at the Riverwalk, a mixed-use development at the heart of Durham city centre.

Overlooking the River Wear and with impressive views of Durham’s historic cathedral and castle, the Riverwalk is home to both retail and leisure occupiers, along with 253 units of student accommodation.

Company Clearbell Property Partners II LP purchased the 250,000 sq ft centre in 2014.

The restaurant group currently has branches across locations in Newcastle, York, Leeds, Sheffield, and Nottingham, and has plans to open two additional major locations in the next 12 months.

Zaap’s menu consists of over 100 dishes, offering eat-in and takeaway options, and with colourful décor to "transport" its guests to the lively streets of Bangkok.

The newest Zaap branch is set to feature the group’s trademark open kitchen, tuk-tuk seating booths, neon lighting and unique graffiti.

Christopher Hammond, operations director at Zaap Thai, said: “It was a great experience working with associates at Clearbell, Francis & Co and Pudney Shuttleworth to secure this new location for Zaap at the Riverwalk.

"With its rich history and diverse population, Durham is an ideal fit for our newest location. The restaurant is now set to undergo significant renovations to prepare for the September opening.

“It’s likely that the extensive menu will mean a completely new and exciting dining experience for our guests.”

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Toby Saul, associate director at Clearbell Capital, added: “Zaap Thai will be a fantastic addition to the variety of great food, drink and leisure operators that already call the Riverwalk their home, with Zaap’s accessible but high-quality offering providing the perfect blend for the Riverwalk’s customers.

“Providing new and exciting retail and leisure options for our customers is part of our active management programme to ensure that we’re always evolving to their needs, but also supporting the long-term success of The Riverwalk.

“We’re looking forward to the venue opening in September and bringing an authentic Thai experience to Durham’s residents and visitors.”