BRAND NEW Asian restaurant Bambudda has already wowed hundreds of Darlington diners.
Newly opened on Gladstone Street, the exciting oriental venue offers authentic Asian cuisine and brands itself 'a place of experiences'.
The restaurant staged a 'soft' opening earlier this week ahead of Monday's grand reveal and has seen a barrage of bookings and interest with the place already fully booked for weeks to come.
Staff at the Darlington restaurant have built on the success of their Ripon branch to open at the site of the former all-you-can eat buffet, China Red and Mardi Gras club.
The Northern Echo had a first look around and met the people behind the idea, and those in charge of running it.
General Manger Lucy Nguyen is beaming with delight as she walks around the restaurant, which is filled with authentic wall art and flashy decor.
"We always wanted to expand our business and we found out that Darlington is a big place that didn't have many sit-in Asian restaurants," Lucy said.
"It was exactly what we were looking for and a chance for us to give customers a new experience they've never had before."
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Lucy has partnered with business partner Benjamin Wu and both made the trip up the A1 from Bambudda's Ripon branch.
Downstairs is the heart of the action. An open kitchen lets customers peer in to watch the chefs at work while also being able to watch bar staff shake cocktails at the bar.
There's an all-you-can-eat menu but don't worry about getting out of your seat because the knowledgeable and friendly staff will serve the plates direct to your table. Eat as much as you like.
The menu is expansive with something for everyone whether you prefer meat, veggie, vegan or gluten free food.
Early customer favourites include Peking Duck Bon Bons, pork and prawn dumplings, bao buns, Szechuan lamb cutlets and Bambudda's special curry.
Lucy added: "We want to provide a fresh dining and restaurant experience with Asian Tapas-style dishes so people can have a bit of everything."
From dim sum to appetisers and small plates to main dishes, Bambudda has been rammed every night as rave reviews and word-of-mouth has spread.
"We've had great feedback from everyone so far and we're listening to hear what their opinions are," Lucy said.
"This week, we only kept limited space available so we tried to get everything right. It allowed the chefs to know what they're doing and we have been chatting to customers to see how they feel.
"I wanted to hear how customers have found their meal; do they like the food, do they like the decor, and then we can see what the customer expects."
Upstairs, you can enjoy the lighter bar snack menu out on the airy balcony - complete with neon wall art and hanging egg chair - or inside the plush bar area.
"The wine and cocktail bar area is the perfect place for people who want to go out into town but keep it chilled at the same time," Lucy added.
"People come here not only for the food but they can enjoy the atmosphere, the music, the cocktails.
"We want the customers to chill and enjoy the food. It's not somewhere you can come and go, it's somewhere you can bring your friends and family to create memories."
For more information visit: https://www.bambudda.co.uk/darlington
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