A popular eatery has announced plans to open a brand-new restaurant in Middlesbrough, transforming a former nightclub into a 100-seater venue.

Newcastle-based restaurant The Muddler hopes to transform the former Kalinka bar and nightclub at the corner of Exchange Square in Middlesbrough.

The plans would see the site revitalised to become a 100-seater restaurant and cocktail bar, with a private dining area and outside mezzanine level.

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Bosses at the venue hope the new venue will be ready to open in April 2023, once planning and licensing applications have been granted.

The Northern Echo: The Muddler's Newcastle restaurantThe Muddler's Newcastle restaurant (Image: PR)

The Muddler currently has a restaurant and cocktail bar on Newcastle’s Grey Street, opposite the Theatre Royal.

Visitors to the new venue can expect the same pan-Asian-inspired cuisine at the new Middlesbrough branch.

The Northern Echo: Just a selection of some of the food and drink at the Newcastle venue.Just a selection of some of the food and drink at the Newcastle venue. (Image: PR)

Neill Winch, CEO of Danieli Group which owns The Muddler brand, said: “When we saw the investment that has been made in Middlesbrough’s Historic Quarter and the real steps that have been taken to revitalise the area, we knew this was a great location for us.

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“It fits perfectly with The Muddler brand and we hope that we will be something very different to the town in terms of both the food we offer and the high quality of the setting.”

The Northern Echo: The new restaurant will take over the former Kalinka bar in part of Commerce House in Middlesbrough.The new restaurant will take over the former Kalinka bar in part of Commerce House in Middlesbrough. (Image: PR)

The former Kalinka site in Middlesbrough has stood empty since 2015, with various plans having been floated to revitalise the building ever since.

The announcement has been welcomed by Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston, who said: “Fantastic things are happening in Middlesbrough.

“We are winning investment, creating jobs and bringing new life and energy to the town.

“I’m really pleased to see this coming to the heart of our Historic Quarter and grateful to the people behind it for showing such confidence in Middlesbrough.

“I know that Teessiders and visitors to our area will love it.”

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