Plans for a new Indian restaurant in Long Eaton have been welcomed by residents and workers alike. Work is underway to convert the property in High Street, which has been vacant for over a year.
The restaurant will be located between Cafe Delight and One Stop Bargains, in the former premises of training provider ProStart. Details are sketchy about the curry house - a handwritten cardboard sign in the window reads: "Opening soon Naz Indian restaurant and takeaway" but there's nothing promoting it on social media.
The business will face competition from existing Indian restaurants Al Naseeb in Market Place, Ghurkha Express, in Tamworth Road, and Land of the Five Rivers in Derby Road. The premises are two doors away from Rowells Drinking Emporium. Bar manager Tyrell Gaunt is all for the new venture and hopes it will benefit the micro pub. He said: "I was told they have one in Leicester as well. Anything that breathes new life into Long Eaton is welcome."
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Bar worker Phil Mutch believes it will complement the bar and vice and versa. "I think this area of town will really benefit from it because it will bring more people into the town and increase the choice of something to eat. I love curry, I will definitely be trying it."
Retired air conditioning engineer Tim Kirton, 65, of Long Eaton, said: "I'm certainly fond of curry. I normally go to Ghurkha Express which is lovely. A lot of Indian restaurants have their own styles so I think it's great. It will help to stimulate the high street."
His wife Sue added: "We will try it when it opens. Anything different is a good idea. It's better than an empty unit. We want every unit full but a good balance."
Charley Townsend, who works at betting shop William Hill, lives in Ilkeston but would contemplate getting a takeaway to eat at home. The 37-year-old said: "There's quite a few pubs around here, so I should imagine it'll get quite a lot of custom from that, especially over a weekend. I'm not sure how it will do in the week. We will potentially give it a try. I'd have a takeaway after work. We like it a bit mild, tikka masala kind of thing."
The building was one of several vacant properties at that end of High Street. A former phone repair shop, a cake shop, New Look and Shoe Zone remain empty.
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