A BRAND new Indian restaurant and takeaway is set to open in Kidderminster this Spring.

Monarch Spice will open its doors at the former Barrel pub building on Bromsgrove Street.

Last week, Wyre Forest District Council approved a planning application to change the use of the site, previously the Baan Tai restaurant, into two new flats.

However, a lease for a new restaurant has been given to Ronnie Alam by the landlord, who has previously run several restaurants across the Midlands.

The site was advertised as a "going concern," and the application agent has now said the plan for flats was a "fall-back position."

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Mr Alam, aged 45, said he's currently renovating the site and is looking to open the contemporary Indian restaurant in late March/ early April.

He will be creating 12 jobs when his business opens and says he is employing people from the Kidderminster area for the renovation work.