A Blackburn restaurant has undergone £60,000 of renovations which will see it more than double in size.

Jaan’s BBQ Kitchen, is based on the corner of Charlotte Street and Watford Street, and opened in 2018. Owners revealed how the top floor had remained unused for more than three decades since the Balaclava Inn pub closed.

Total renovations to the building which is just off Victoria Street have cost upward of £160,000.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Owner Ahmed Wasim said: “Before we took over the ground floor was a small takeaway – Pizza Island – and there were no seated areas. So, we renovated the ground floor to accommodate up to 50 guests.

“The second floor was in a very bad state. I don’t think it has been used for more than 30 years. Maybe the last time any customers used this section was back when this was a pub.

“It needed a complete overhaul and work started in January. 

“Now we can accommodate more than 60 guests upstairs.”

The second floor also features two private dining areas – one of which is based on the traditional South Asian and middle Eastern dining rooms where people sit on floor cushions.

Mr Wasim said: “It is something quite unique for a restaurant. People can book the room ahead and are seated on cushions as you would find if you went to someone’s home in South Asia or the Middle East. I hope it will be popular with families.

“Another room can accommodate 12 guests and is good for small parties and family get-togethers.”

Lancashire Telegraph:

The restaurant will be managed and run Mr Wasim’s sons Hamdullah and Saadullah.

The family is originally from Spain and had been in the restaurant trade for more than 20 years.

Mr Wasim said: “We have had a really good response since we opened. Our meals tend to more traditional Peshwari curries and grills which have proved popular with people across the county.

“We were open during lockdown for take out only and we are looking forward to welcoming families back to our restaurant.”