A CHEF'S dream-come-true is spicing up the life of pub diners.

Cyril Blackburn, who is half-Malaysian, always wanted to run his own kitchen.

He has gone into partnership with landlord Brian Dixon to offer a traditional Malaysian meal every Saturday and Sunday night The Picture House pub, Eccleshill, Darwen.

Cyril, 55, said: "I'm really very pleased because I've always wanted to have my own restaurant and I never thought it would happen so late in life.

"Brian and I go back an awful long way and it is great that something like this has come out of it.

"I hoping people will really like the food and it will be a big success."

Cyril, who has spent many years working in restaurants and hotels in Malaysia, describes the cuisine as a combination of influences from many other Asian countries like India and Thailand.

He said: "You could say that Thai food is spicier than Chinese and Malaysian is spicier than Thai.

"I think East Lancashire people will love it."

The pub, which also does full English carvery, will include a Malaysian starter, main course and sweet on the menu every Saturday and Sunday between noon and 9pm.

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