CURRY lovers in Halesowen are celebrating after a landmark Indian restaurant opened its doors seven months after being destroyed by fire.

Bangla Lounge, High Street, has reopened after a £210,000 refurbishment and now boasts a new function room and bar.

Owner Abdul Bari is delighted to be open again after seeing his beloved restaurant in flames in April.

He said: “I would like to thank the emergency services for their timely response, if they had not got there in time the whole building would have been destroyed.

“Everyone was very supportive during this difficult time and we had over 200 letters and emails offering support which I would like to thank everyone for.”

Last week the chairman of Halesowen Chamber of Trade, Steve Fitzpatrick, officially re-opened Bangla Lounge at an event which was attended by over 150 people.

Mr Bari added: “Since we reopened there has been a great response from the community and we are looking forward to seeing old friends and new customers.”

On April 18 25 firefighters battled the blaze which destroyed the restaurant, first floor and the roof.

The fire was started by an electrical fault.