Clearbell brings Thai restaurant to Durham’s Riverwalk

Clearbell Property Partners has agreed a new letting to Zaap Thai at the Riverwalk, a mixed-use development in Durham city centre.

The Thai restaurant operator has taken a 15-year lease for 3,500 sq ft unit, and will join other well-known occupiers including Cosy Club, El Pincho tapas bar, TGI Fridays and Turtle Bay.

Zaap Thai currently has branches across locations in Leeds, Sheffield, Nottingham, Newcastle, and York, and has plans to open two additional major locations over the next 12 months.

The operator’s branch will feature its trademark open kitchen, tuk tuk seating booths, neon lighting, and unique graffiti.

Overlooking the River Wear and with views of Durham’s cathedral and castle, the Riverwalk is home to both retail and leisure occupiers, as well as 253 units of student accommodation. Clearbell purchased the 250,000 sq ft centre in 2014.

Toby Saul, associate director at Clearbell Capital, said: “Zaap Thai will be a fantastic addition to the variety of great food, drink and leisure operators that already call the Riverwalk their home, with Zaap’s accessible but high-quality offering providing the perfect blend for the Riverwalk’s customers. Providing new and exciting retail and leisure options for our customers is part of our active management programme to ensure that we’re always evolving to their needs, but also supporting the long-term success of The Riverwalk. We’re looking forward to the venue opening in September and bringing an authentic Thai experience to Durham’s residents and visitors.”