AN Indian restaurant will open its doors in Darlington for the first time next week.

The Amritsar restaurant, in Houndgate, is the latest enterprise of the Ali family, well known in the town for the Garden of India, in Bondgate, which they have run for the last 30 years.

Owner Raju Ali said Amritsar will offer a combination of traditional curries, alongside dishes showcasing the latest developments in Indian cuisine.

The restaurant will be opened at 6pm on Monday (March 10), by Darlington mayor Charles Johnson.

An Indian drummer will play a salute to mark the occasion.

Northern Echo columnists Mike Amos and Sharon Griffiths, both lovers of Indian food, will be guests at the opening.