Revellers will soon be able to step into Darlington’s very own “rainforest” as a new high-end cocktail bar prepares to open in town.
Zuu Bar and Eatery has taken over the basement of the Imperial Centre, formerly Miss Ruby's Kitchen and Cocktails, and is to launch on Friday (December 6).
The Grange Road venue is the brainchild of Al Forno’s Cuma Erdem and Adem Kuzgun, who have been working to revamp the “hidden gem” over the last six weeks.
Guests will be greeted by a waterfall flowing from the ceiling as they make their way down the stairs and into the venue, where they will find giraffe lamps, monkeys, and rainforest-themed wallpaper as far as the eye can see.
And it’s got a cocktail menu to match, with panthers, lions, and flamingos being used to serve up everything from the ‘Zuu-lander’ to ‘No Monkey Business’ signature cocktails.
Cuma, 37, who lives in Middlesbrough, said: “Zuu Bar is a nice high-end cocktail bar and on opening night there are lots of people invited - we’ll have fire breathers, stilt walkers, bongo players, saxophone players, and DJs.
“Zuu Bar will be like a rainforest. We have tried to do a different theme - not like something that has been done before.”
The duo added that there had been “significant investment” put into the venue, with everything being replaced from the sound system to the lighting and furniture.
It has taken six to eight weeks to complete the project - with the Cuma and Adem adding their own personal touch and opting to not rely on any interior designers.
There is still more work still to be done in the new year too - with the outdoor space set to also get a revamp in the coming months.
They’ll also be constructing a unique DJ booth which will be surrounded by a cage - further adding to the animal theme.
Adem continued: “We are on a major train line in Darlington and that is getting loads of investment. We want to stop people from going elsewhere - we don’t want people to travel to other places or cities like York and Durham!”
Cuma and Adem said they decided to take on the site because it is in a “lovely spot”. Cuma said: “It is a hidden gem underground and has lots of potential.
“We are young and local and have got a good community around us - and we are well known from our other business, which has been going for 17 years.”
Zuu Bar will be open from Monday to Thursday from 5pm until late, on Friday between 3pm and late, and on Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm until late.
As well as signature cocktails, there will be plenty of classics up for grabs, including pornstar and espresso martinis, mojitos, pina coladas, and daiquiri, as well as mocktails, spirits, wine, beer, and champagne.
A bottle service will also be on offer - with top-quality spirits including Grey Goose vodka and Dom Pérignon champagne.
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There are also big plans following the Christmas period, with the venue to start doing food alongside bottomless brunches.
The opening comes just several months after Miss Ruby's - which was previously Macy Brown's was up for sale at a price tag of £120,000.
You can see more from Zuu Bar Darlington on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568795786773&locale=en_GB
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