A brand new Indian/fusion restaurant will open in Rawtenstall later this month, taking the place of an historic inn that was rumoured to be haunted. 

Kashmir, on Burnley Road, will be bringing traditional Indian food, with a modern twist, to the people of East Lancashire when they open next week.

Owners of Kashmir have taken over and fully transformed the Craven Heifer Inn which closed several years ago.

Lancashire Telegraph: Kashmir restaurant on Burnley Road, RawtenstallKashmir restaurant on Burnley Road, Rawtenstall

The building itself has an extensive history, dating back to the early 1800s.

While it was open as a pub, the former owners reported some ‘ghostly’ happenings in the building.

Carl Williams, who was landlord at the time, said they saw a ghostly pair of child’s legs in the cellar while others say taps in the ladies toilets have turned on by themselves.

However, the new owners aren’t afraid of the stories and are hoping to bring a “fresh, vibrant energy to the iconic building”.

Lancashire Telegraph: The Craven Heifer Inn was in disrepair before renovations beganThe Craven Heifer Inn was in disrepair before renovations began

Mohammed Kahn, part-owner of Kashmir, said: “We are really hoping to bring a very disused building back into the community – we understand that the old pub was at the heart of the community.”

Mohammed said the team have been renovating the building for around two-and-a-half-years pumping more than £200,000 into it.

He said: “We are so excited to finally be opening. This building has been a real labour of love for us.

"We’ve been here every day and night in recent weeks, getting it ready for opening day.”

Mohammed, from Rawtenstall, said he is also looking forward to see what diners think of the menu.

Lancashire Telegraph: A look inside Kashmir, on Burnley Road, RawtenstallA look inside Kashmir, on Burnley Road, Rawtenstall

He said: “Our chef has 28 years of experience in the kitchen and has been busy creating a variety of flavoursome South Asian dishes with a modern twist.

“We will also cater to a variety of palates and will have vegan, vegetarian, gluten free and healthier options".

Diner can also enjoy their “casual dining experience” surrounded by chic and modern interiors

Mohammed said: “Our interiors are very different. It’s very new and modern and not your ‘typical’ Indian restaurant, which can be quite dark and dingy.

“This restaurant is very bright and vibrant - it has been decorated in pastel colours.”

Kashmir will open to the general public on 28th January, with a charity evening planned on the 27th, when 50 per cent of all takings will be donated to charity.

To find out more visit their Facebook page.