Diners could easily forget they’re eating in shadows of Durham Cathedral in a new restaurant which transports them to bustling Bangkok.

Thai restaurant Zaap Thai opens its doors in Durham at midday on Thursday (September 26).

The new restaurant makes diners feel like they're in Bangkok, but looks out over the Wear and Durham Cathedral.The new restaurant makes diners feel like they're in Bangkok, but looks out over the Wear and Durham Cathedral. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) Seats include tuk-tuk booths.Seats include tuk-tuk booths. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) An open kitchen lets diners and passersby watch chefs cooking their order.An open kitchen lets diners and passersby watch chefs cooking their order. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) The brand, with eateries in Newcastle, York an Leeds, first announced plans to open at the city’s Riverwalk site last year.

The venue is one of the chain’s largest locations to date, with room for up to 120 guests inside the Bangkok-inspired venue, along with 20 seats on the outdoor terrace.

The restaurant has seating for 120 people.The restaurant has seating for 120 people. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) The chain takes Unit 21 at the Riverwalk in Durham.The chain takes Unit 21 at the Riverwalk in Durham. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) The restaurant is designed to transport diners to Bangkok.The restaurant is designed to transport diners to Bangkok. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) Decorated like the busy street food markets of Bangkok, the venue is complete with graffiti, tuk-tuk seating booths, neon lights, bright bunting, hats and street signs.

An open kitchen lets diners see chefs crafting a range of more than 100 authentic dishes from the South East Asian country like pad Thai and Massaman curries.

Neon signs are a key part of the decor.Neon signs are a key part of the decor. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) There are more than 100 South East Asian dishes on the menu.There are more than 100 South East Asian dishes on the menu. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) Zaap also has locations in Newcastle, York and Leeds, and elsewhere in the UK.Zaap also has locations in Newcastle, York and Leeds, and elsewhere in the UK. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) The restaurant will be open from midday until 10pm daily.The restaurant will be open from midday until 10pm daily. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) Founder and Executive Chef, Ban Kaewkraikhot, said: “Durham is a fantastic city, and we’re thrilled to open our doors on September 26 to welcome the people of Durham to Zaap.

“We’ve designed everything to transport our guests to the bustling streets of Bangkok.

One of the chefs showing off one of the dishes.One of the chefs showing off one of the dishes. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) Seating is also available outside, overlooking the River Wear.Seating is also available outside, overlooking the River Wear. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) The restaurant opens at midday on Thursday, September 26.The restaurant opens at midday on Thursday, September 26. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) "From the authentic menu to the vibrant decor, we’ve worked hard to create something unique.

Recommended reading:

Get more from The Northern Echo with a digital subscription. Get access for one month for just £1, or get 30% off an annual subscription with our latest offer. Click here.

"We’re very excited to celebrate opening day and share the Zaap experience as well as lots of goodies. We can’t wait to welcome Durham to our Zaap-y family.”

Bright colours make the restaurant stand out from the crowd.Bright colours make the restaurant stand out from the crowd. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) A host of traditional dishes are available.A host of traditional dishes are available. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) The Durham branch is one of Zaap's largest.The Durham branch is one of Zaap's largest. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) Zaap is offering the first 100 hungry diners the chance to get their hands on two of the restaurant’s most popular dishes for just £5 on opening day on Thursday (September 26).

The restaurant will be open from midday until 10pm daily.

The open kitchen lets diners see what is going on behind the scenes.The open kitchen lets diners see what is going on behind the scenes. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)