Plans lodged for new Indian restaurant in Darlington

Fazz's Indian Kitchen and Bar has submitted a planning application to Darlington Council for the supply of alcohol at its restaurant on 43 and 44 Bondgate. 

The unit has been vacant for several years and was previously home to Akbar the Great, which moved to Duke Street in November 2022 before rebranding as Abu’s. 

Frad Group Ltd is hoping to license the premises from December 1, meaning the venue could open as soon as next month - although an opening date is not yet known. 

Inside the venue (Image: RIGHTMOVE)

The application details how there will be “sufficient competent staff on duty at the premises for any licensable activity” to fulfil the terms and conditions of the license. 

Other details include a Challenge 25 ID policy, customers being asked to leave the venue quietly, and appropriate fire safety procedures. 

Specific details regarding the upcoming venture remain unknown at this time. 

As previously reported, Akbar the Great first opened its doors in 2019, taking over an established business that dates back to 2016. 

It then moved to Duke Street in 2022, taking with it the whole team.

However, in March this year, the family-owned business was approached by a Bradford chain with a similar name, reportedly demanding a name change.

The firm later announced they had "lost the battle" with the other business, confirming it would be rebranding and officially re-launching as Abu’s in May.  

It continues to prove popular as Abu’s on Duke Street, however, even recently being nominated in The Northern Echo’s best curry house competition. 

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Abu’s former Bondgate home was put up for sale earlier this year with a price tag of £215,000, including both the restaurant and the flat. 

The listing, which is with Darlington-based Carvers, described how the two-storey mixed-use premises had a “versatile” sales area as well as a kitchen, prep area, and toilets, with the main section boasting a glazed conservatory and atrium at the rear.

The listing said: “The property may suit a variety of re-development opportunities subject to obtaining any necessary statutory/ local authority/ planning consent."