A POPULAR Hexham eatery is looking forward to a bright future by welcoming customers into a newly refurbished restaurant.

Zyka Indian Restaurant, on Priestpopple, is continuing to serve take-home food for customers, just as it has done throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

The Miah brothers, who own the business, chose not to fully reopen last summer in line with other restaurants, because the premises did not have sufficient space or facilities to accommodate social distancing.

Behind the scenes, however, they have been working on an exciting refurbishment which is nearing completion.

It means there will be a more spacious environment for diners, with the once prominent bar area neatly relocated into an alcove, enlarging the overall restaurant area.

Crucially, Zyka now has toilet facilities both upstairs and downstairs, with a disabled convenience on the ground floor.

Chef Khaled Miah said there are also a few treats in store, including a retro-inspired layout with stylish features and colour scheme.

He said: “First of all we really want to thank everyone who has continued to support our takeaway service, which we continue to provide seven days a week.

“We missed out on opening the restaurant fully last summer when others were able to.

“The last year has been very challenging and the support we’ve received really has kept us going. We can’t wait to welcome people back inside and show them our exciting new restaurant.”

Khaled runs Zyka alongside his brothers Rashid and Mashuk.

Over the past year, the award winning chef has also launched a new initiative, Khaled’s Kitchen, where people can order specially created kits, complete with instructions, to make delicious home curries.

Call (01434) 600333, visit zykahexham.com, facebook.com/zyka.hexham, or facebook.com/khaledskitchenhexham.