A popular Thai restaurant is closing its doors for a major transformation.
Zen, on Court Lane in Durham, will close on September 1 and plans to welcome customers back later that month.
The Thai restaurant, which has been running for 20 years, is owned by cousins and business partners Zak Newton and Sam Gadd.
Cousins and business partners, Zak Newton and Sam Gadd. (Image: ZEN DURHAM)
Zak, 39, said: “Zen’s served us very well, and all the customers who have come in have been sympathetic to what’s changing because a lot of people have good memories here.
“We’re increasing our internal capacity by putting a small extension on the front.
“We’ve renovated our garden area which is all completed now and looks great.
“We’re basically just doing all the work that needs to be done to get another twenty years’ worth of trading out of it.
“A full kitchen renovation, toilets are getting renovated, all the furniture is getting upholstered or replaced, new carpets, new air conditioning.”
Zak assured customers that the restaurant will remain the same Zen they know.
A 3D render of what Zen will look like after the renovations. (Image: ZEN DURHAM)
“We’re keeping what makes Zen so popular.
“We’re just freshening it up but giving a nod to the old Zen.
“We don’t want it to feel like you’re walking into a completely new venue.”
Zac and Sam have set an opening date of September 21, but this could change depending how work progresses.
(Image: ZEN DURHAM)
(Image: ZEN DURHAM)
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The pair purchased the business from Sam’s parents, Nigel and Deborah, in 2022.
Zen is part of the Durham-based Zen Group, a hospitality group, which has restaurants Tango on Saddler Street, The Rabbit Hole on Hallgarth Street, and Whitechurch Durham on Church Street Head.
Zen Durham is open every day from 11.30am to 9pm.
Dining and Cooking