Amble Thai and Vietnamese restaurant celebrates busy opening weeks
A popular cafe turned Thai and Vietnamese restaurant has proved popular among locals in Amble.
The former Gracy’s Coffee Lounge and Eatery officially reopened as Asian fusion bistro Lotus and Lemongrass Kitchen on Thursday, August 27.
Owner Thomas McBreaty made the decision to make the major rebrand following the success of weekly Thai specials which regularly sold out.
Having spent a decade in Thailand before returning to Amble and taking on Gracy’s, Thomas felt passionate about introducing authentic South East Asian cuisine to the town.
Customers to the new bistro can now enjoy freshly prepared dishes cooked in an open kitchen by experienced Thai and Vietnamese chefs.
Thomas said: “It’s something that the community in and around Amble have sort of really adapted to and taken to with open arms and they believe it’s what the town needs.
“It’s clearly something that people are interested in and we’re happy that we’re able to offer two different styles, Vietnamese and Thai, to the people of Amble and holidaymakers alike.”
Since reopening as Lotus and Lemongrass, the restaurant has been consistently busy and bookings have been filling up fast.
Thomas said: “We open up bookings for three months ahead and we have had a lot. A good problem to have is that we’ve had to say, ‘Sorry, we’re fully booked.’”
“We’re ecstatic with how everything’s gone and just sort of the support from all the local businesses around us as well,” Thomas added.