A RESTAURANT was formally opened with the cutting of a ribbon by a local MP.

New Indian restaurant 7 Spices at the New Times was officially opened by Witham MP Priti Patel.

The restaurant, on 87 Maldon Road, was visited by Ms Patel on Friday for the ceremony and to meet owner Satin Singh.

Satin also owns and manages the Bull bar and restaurant in Great Totham.

Gazette:

7 Spices has taken over the catering side of the business on the New Times site.

Up until May this year, the New Times was the site of a much-loved carvery.

However, after 34 years in business, they decided to call it a day at the end of May.

Gazette:

Ms Patel was given a tour of the new premises which has undergone extensive refurbishment and modernisation.

She also sampled some Indian cuisine specially prepared for the occasion.

Ms Patel said: “It was a pleasure to be here to give 7 Spices at the New Times a good send-off.

“I think there is a definite need for an Indian restaurant in the Tiptree area and I was very impressed with the menu that I was shown and with the food that I was lucky enough to try.

“It was also very good to see that the community element of the establishment, the pub, is part of the new look.

READ MORE>>> Two men seriously injured ‘intervening in seven-person fight’

“I hope that local people, whether they want a pint or a full meal, will find it a very pleasing place to spend their leisure time.”

Satin said: “It was great to have Priti join us for the opening ceremony.

“I very much enjoyed meeting her and talking through the development process the new pub and restaurant has been through, as well as outlining our plans for the future.”