Things to do in Leicestershire
Revealed: New Leicester bar and restaurant opening in Granby Street
It will be replacing Walkabout
Lauren Mills
The former Walkabout premises at 30-32 Granby Street Leicester
A cocktail bar and world food restaurant is set to breathe new life into derelict premises in Granby Street, Leicester.
Rickshaw Rick's, a new venture from the founding partners of the Red Hot World Buffet, is taking space formerly occupied by Australian-themed bar Walkabout, which closed in May 2015 .
The Leicester branch of Red Hot World Buffet and Bar closed in July last year after the company collapsed into administration.
Now, Pammi Dhaliwal, one of the original owners, has teamed up with his daughter Shireen and son Simran to launch the new eaterie.
Shireen said: "We are looking to create something new and exciting for Leicester.
"It is a different concept to the Red Hot Buffet, though still offering world food. There'll be crafted cocktails and shakes and world-inspired comfort food at really comfortable prices."
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Bartender Simran is quitting his London job to join Rickshaw Rick's. He has worked at high profile bars including Dishoom in Kings Cross and Clarendon Cocktail Cellar in Pimlico.
Shireen said: "He will be creating our own infused house spirits to give a new twist on cocktails which should be really delicious."
Inspiration for the food offer, she said, came from street food from all over the globe.
"We will be doing hot boxes of food, ranging from a Sunday roast box to a sushi box, costing around £5 for a lunchtime box and £6.99 for a dinner box.
"The main lesson we've learned from Red Hot Buffet is the importance of providing really good value for customers. It is something people really appreciate.
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"We are really excited about coming to Granby Street as it is the main thoroughfare into Leicester from the station and an exciting place to be.
"We are looking forward to lots of fun ahead."
She said Rickshaw Rick's will open in April after an extensive refurbishment.
Rickshaw Rick's has signed a 15 year lease for the premises at 30-32 Granby Street. It will trade over 7,600 sq ft spread over ground and basement levels.
To begin with Rickshaw Rick's will open at lunchtime through to 11pm, though Shireen's ambition is to open far earlier, in time for breakfast.
Space Retail Property Consultants advised the landlord, a Leicester-based private investor.
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