First look at new £250k Blackburn town centre restaurant

The DWNTWN (Down Town) restaurant in Blackburn will take up the space vacated by the Roomali Restaurant which has moved to the former Woodlands Hotel on Preston New Road.

The new 80-seater eaterie will be created over two floors and includes terraces, balcony areas and glass-fronted exteriors.

It is located off Barton Street near to the new Reel Cinema and opposite the Dhana Lounge.  The area has already undergone major transformations in the past three years with the old Campbells Amusement Arcade converted into retail units and offices.

The venture is set to create up to 30 jobs for the town.

The news restuarant will feature terraces and a balcony (Pictures: DWNTWN)

Operations manager Ahmed Malida said the team were looking forward to bringing something a little different to Blackburn.

He said: “We recently launched our first restaurant in Leicester and we are replicating the concept in Blackburn.

“The Blackburn restaurant will be a lot larger and over two floors with balconies where people can sit outside in the summer and spring months.

“The design is based very much on an America diner style and feel. The upstairs will be a coffee shop and the ground floor will be our main restaurant area.

“The building has undergone a complete overhaul both inside and out and we are hoping people will like the unique look.”

The site of the new restaurant with renovations underway (Picture LT)

It is hoped that further restaurants will open in Manchester, Leeds, Bradford and Glasgow before the end of 2023. The Leicester branch opened in November this year.

The menu features the brand’s ‘Smash Dwn’ burgers and pizzas as well vegetarian options.

The restaurant is located next to the Barton Street car park and close to the Feilden Street Car Park.

Ahmed added: “A major drawing point for us how the area is being rejuvenated and redeveloped, especially around King George’s Hall and around the town centre.

“There is also ample parking for customers.”