The Flameroom steakhouse to open in former Spices2, Darlington

The Flameroom, which will be run by managing director Rahat Hussain, is set to open later this year on Bondgate.

Rahat said it has always been a dream to open his own restaurant.

He said: "I have been passionate about this industry for many years. Opening my own restaurant has been a dream of mine for a long time. I worked in restaurants when I was young, I went to college in Darlington. I can't wait to open."

A drone shot of the restaurant on Bondgate (Image: PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDY WALLACE)

And the restaurant owner has said a premium steakhouse has been missing from the town for a long time.

He said: "It is a new, premium steakhouse, but it will be a welcoming restaurant at the same time. I want to create something that the town that can be proud of.

"I used to go to Newcastle, Manchester or Leeds for a high-quality meal. I want people in Darlington to feel proud of a high-quality restaurant.

Windows have been decorated with The Flameroom logo (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

"I think something like this has been missing from the town for a long time."

Signs have gone up at the front and side of the restaurant and there is Flameroom branding on the windows.

Rahat has said it has been a challenge finding the right place, but expressed his excitement at being close to opening.

He said: "This is my first time doing everything, from the renovation to staffing. It has been a long time coming, but we are nearly there now.

Rahat said he hopes to open the restaurant as soon as possible (Image: PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDY WALLACE)

"I am absolutely over the moon and cannot wait to open. The inside was a bit of nightmare; we have had to renovate a lot of things. It is exciting for the town too, and the banner generated a lot of curiosity as well."

It was reported by The Northern Echo in October that a sign had appeared at the restaurant teasing a new food sensation.

A sign teasing a new food spot went up last year (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

The sign read: "Darlo are you ready for the new food sensation?".

Pictures taken previously by The Northern Echo showed chairs, tables, boxes of furniture and tools on the floor.

It is not yet known when the steakhouse will open, but Rahat said: "I do not have an opening date yet, but I do want to open as soon as possible."