AN INDIAN restaurant restaurant is set to expand and double its seating space after buying the empty business next door.

The Raj, in Holly Court just off Billericay High Street, is behind exciting expansion plans after purchasing the neighbouring shop, Esquires Barbers.

The barbershop has been closed for three years and remained empty since closure.

Bosses at the Raj, which has been open for more than ten years in Billericay, confirmed they will be gutting the former barbershop and using the space to almost double the size of the restaurant.

The restaurant has built up a following in the town and Billericay West Tory councillor Phil Turner (pictured above inset) praised the plans.

He said: “The Raj is absolutely fantastic, I am so pleased to hear they are expanding.

“I was told some time ago they were looking to expand and the restaurant is incredibly well-loved by residents and people outside of Billericay.

“I know a lot of people who come from outside the borough who really really enjoy it, they were on the backfoot quite badly during Covid, like the whole industry was, but they are an absolute success story, the additional seating will go far.

“It’s a positive addition to the town, being just off the High Street and it will make life a lot easier for a lot of people - they can use the expansion to employ extra staff.

“The staff currently are amazing, the food is enjoyed by many and they are recognised as one of the best Indian restaurants in the area.

“I can only wish them the best; it is a fabulous restaurant. Good Luck and the community will likely back them.”

Alongside expanding the seating available, the Raj will use the additional space as storage as well as expanding the restaurant’s bar and kitchen space.

Plans have been submitted to Basildon Council to expand the restaurant and to install new signs on the former barbers.

The Raj offers a wide range of Punjabi curries and has been recognised as a specialist spot in the High Street countless times over the years.