A CARIBBEAN restaurant is set to open its doors in Blackburn this week.

On Sunday Turtle Bay will be opening in the Cathedral Quarter development creating 50 jobs.

The 165-seat restaurant occupies one floor and is aiming to capture the spirit of celebration that the Caribbean chain is famed for.

The menu is set to offer a range of flavours and rustic dishes including jerk chicken, curry goat and a jerk BBQ pit.

Abby Mitchell, assistant manager at the restaurant, said: “There’s nothing really like it. It’s good to have somewhere like this, it’s very chilled and relaxed. It’s very different to what you normally get in Blackburn.

“Everyone is really buzzing ahead of the opening. There is such a lovely atmosphere and it is such a happy place to be

“I think the good thing at Turtle Bay is that you can come in dressed in jeans and a T-shirt or all dolled up to the nines and you’ll fit in perfectly. Hopefully it will be a big success.”

The chain has restaurants in cities across the UK including London, Leeds and Manchester.

Along with Caribbean cuisine Turtle Bay also offers a range of alcoholic cocktails from ‘Marley Mojitos’ to ‘Tobago Teas’.

Cllr Phil Riley, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s executive member for regeneration, said: “This is a very exciting addition to the Cathedral Quarter development and a real boost to the town’s evening economy, nightlife and restaurant offer.

“Turtle Bay is a very well-known chain and a high quality brand and will build on the great atmosphere in the Cathedral Square, bringing a real vitality. This is an exciting time for the area.”