(Image: TCL Interiors)
A new Indian restaurant has opened its doors on the seafront, following a major £250,000 investment.
Malabar is welcoming its first diners this week after opening it doors today (August 12), in Seaburn, Sunderland, with businessman Taz Ahmed behind the venture.
Mr Ahmed also runs the long-established Goa restaurant nearby.
He said: "We had a soft launch, and hundreds of people came to visit, we have a big family who know a lot of people and the feedback has already been amazing.
"To be honest, it's a relief, but it feels absolutely amazing to open our doors."
(Image: Malabar)
"It has been a lot of work for the past few months, but seeing people already leaving positive feedback just feels absolutely amazing."
TCL Interiors worked on the design with Mr Ahmed, project managing from initial design to full completion and transforming the venue with its unrecognisable new look.
While Goa has been a staple on the seafront for 14 years, Mr Ahmed said Malabar has a distinct identity, including its own menu and style.
(Image: TCL Interiors)
The restaurant has been outfitted on the site of the former Prego restaurant on Dykelands Road.
Feedback has already poured in following the soft launch, with visitors saying "what a stunning restaurant Malabar is" and describing "exceptional cuisine matched by brilliant service."
After being offered the site by the landlord, Mr Ahmed said he saw great potential and did not want to pass up the opportunity.
The venue has been completely transformed over the past three months.
(Image: TCL Interiors)
(Image: Malabar)
Malabar features a beach-inspired bar and dining area, with a redesigned main dining room.
It is now one of the largest restaurants in the area, seating 150 diners with room for 30 more in the bar.
Visitors can enjoy cocktails, lagers and wines in a space for those who want to enjoy a drink without dining.
The opening has also created 20 new jobs.
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Malabar will operate from Tuesday to Sunday and will offer a classic Indian menu, with dishes you'd expect from an Indian restaurant, alongside a specialist South Indian menu crafted with "home dishes".
Mr Ahmed said: "A lot of people have asked my why I wanted to open Malabar just yards away from our other restaurant, Goa, but so many people wanted this and I just know it's going to be a huge success."
Malabar forms another addition to the family business, managed by Mr Ahmed and his six brothers.
Free parking is available for diners, who must enter their vehicle registration on arrival.