The co-owner of a popular Indian restaurant in St Albans said he is "extremely excited" about reopening next month.

Darshit Singh Hora’s comments come following the announcement this week he would be reopening Veer Dhara, after a notice of repossession by the leaseholders Pizza Hut forced the restaurant to close in February. 

The restaurant, which used to be on St Peter’s Street, will open in the Liberal Club in Hatfield Road - formerly the site of Kashu and Aqua restaurants.

Mr Hora said: "Our family has a real affection for St Albans and we knew that we owed it to the city to reopen the restaurant following its closure earlier in the year. This time we opted for a permanent base."

After considering four potential sites Darshit and brother Haritpal Singh Hora decided on the Liberal Club because it comes with a 25-year leasehold. 

Darshit, who came to England in 2009 to study Law, addedd: "We’d like to say thank you to all of our loyal customers who have helped us reach a decision to continue our business in St Albans.

Without your participation and commitment to the restaurant, Veer Dhara wouldn't have been able to accomplish the things we have.

"We're looking forward to this new phase in Veer Dhara's rich tradition, and hope that we can continue reaching our goal of improving the dining experience of our customers on a daily basis.

"We opened Veer Dhara initially in 2008. It then became extremely popular within locals and Indian community from around the UK over the years and after the visit of Tom Cruise and Jay Sean in 2012 - it became a Brand. "

The owners will spend six to eight weeks and £200,000 refurbishing the restaurant and hope to extend their services to the rear garden, which can accommodate up to 200 guests in addition to the restaurant area.

The restaurant expects to start trading in September with a takeaway service due to start today.