A NEW Indian restaurant has taken over an empty pub and created 12 new jobs.

Entouraj has opened at the former New Inn on Kidderminster Road in Cutnall Green near Droitwich.

It is the sixth restaurant opened by entrepreneur Shah Hussain, who also runs eateries in Oxford, Leicester and Gaydon.

Mr Hussain has opened Entouraj in partnership with his business associate, Ameer Hussain, and the new restaurant blends traditional Indian recipes with modern flavours.

Funding from Lloyds Bank allowed Mr Hussain and Mr Ameer to purchase the former New Inn, which the pair have since fully refurbished, including installing a new kitchen and additional seating for diners.

Mr Hussain has more than 30 years of experience in the catering industry and has hired award-winning Sudha Saha as Entouraj’s head chef.

The new venture has also created 12 new jobs for waiting staff and cooks.

Mr Hussain said: “I’ve always loved cooking and it has been a dream of mine to own my own restaurant.

“To say that I’m now opening my sixth is a real milestone moment.

“We were first attracted to Cutnall Green as the area is so beautiful and when we saw the building on Kidderminster Road, we knew there was a lot we could do with it to give it a luxury but cosy and welcoming atmosphere.

“I’ve worked with the team at Lloyds Bank for many years now and I’m pleased we’ve been able to open our latest venture with their support.

“We’re looking forward to establishing our menu and bringing our homemade cooking to this local community.”

Noshad Khowaja, relationship manager at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said the company was happy to support Mr Hussain.

“Shah has made a name for himself across the country as someone who is passionate about creating healthy and nutritious dishes," said Mr Khowaja.

“It’s great to see his latest venture being set up right here in the Midlands.

“Ambitious businesses like Entouraj are the backbone of the local economy, which is why we’ve pledged to be by the side of businesses. As part of this commitment, we’re lending up to £2.5 billion to Midlands firms this year.”

Entouraj opened on May 7 and is now taking bookings.