A growing Thai restaurant chain will open its second North East venue within weeks, creating a number of new jobs.
Zaap Thai already welcomes in crowds of diners at its Newcastle site, which has been decked out to double as a a downtown Bangkok food market, festooned with neon lights, colourful bunting and Thai graffiti. Now the company – which also has restaurants in Sheffield, Leeds, Headingley, York and Nottingham serving up platters of bao buns, dim sum, noodles and curries – is gearing up to open its seventh branch at the Riverwalk development in Durham city centre.
Clearbell Property Partners II LP (Clearbell), a fund managed by private equity real estate fund management and advisory business Clearbell Capital LLP, announced it has agreed a 15-year letting with Zaap Thai in the city. Zaap Thai will join a number of well-known restaurants, including Cosy Club, El Pincho tapas bar, TGI Fridays and Turtle Bay at the retail, drinking and dining destination, when it opens in September at its double unit, set over looking the River Wear with impressive views of Durham’s historic cathedral and castle. The firm has previously said around 30 jobs would be created.
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Zaap’s menu boasts over 100 authentic dishes, offering eat-in and take-away options, and with colourful décor to transport its guests to the lively streets of Bangkok.
Christopher Hammond, operations director at Zaap Thai, added: “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.”
Toby Saul, associate director at Clearbell Capital, which bought Riverwalk in 2014, said: “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.”
Zaap Thai is part of the Sukho Group, founded by chef and restauranteur Yupha ‘Ban’ Kaewkraikhot in 2002. The group currently operates nine restaurants, including the Zaap Thai chain and fine-dining brand Sukhothai.
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