A chain of tearooms described as the Indian answer to Starbucks is eyeing up an opening in Dundee.
Chaiiwala is a Leicester-based South Asian chain that sells hot drinks and "desi" - or "traditional" - street food inspired by the likes of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
It has over 40 outlets across the UK, and opened its first Scottish outlet at Glasgow's Springfield Quay earlier this year.
Now plans have been green-lit by Dundee council planners to bring a tearoom to the city's Reform Street.
It will replace the former Money Shop pawnbrokers next to the newly opened Mazaj Arabic restaurant - adding another foodie feather to Reform Street's cap.
The application was submitted on behalf of Usman Ice Cream Ltd, owned by businessmen Usman Mohammed, from Lerwick, and Ismail Patel, from Glasgow.
Agents acting on behalf of the pair said of Chaiiwala: "The expansion into Dundee is part of the rapid growth of the brand, who in October 2020 announced that they were planning on opening around 50 outlets a year for the next 3 years both in the UK and abroad.
"[Permitting this] would revitalise a unit which has laid empty for a long period and the introduction of a vibrant new tearoom would provide a boost to the high street as we look to exit lockdown following the COVID pandemic."
Dundee City Council planners have approved the operating hours of 9am to 11pm, seven days a week.
A report produced by the authority stated: "The application has been granted because the proposal will bring a vacant commercial unit in a listed building back into use and secure its future, retain the character and appearance of the conservation area and support the vibrancy, vitality and viability of the City Centre."
The opening of another new food outlet in Reform Street is expected to be welcomed following a tumultuous two years of coronavirus.
The avenue has experienced something of a renaissance in recent years with the arrival of restaurants and barber shops to replace derelict banks and building societies.
However, some of the latest arrivals have already closed up including Project Pizza, Dai Pai and Fatburger.
Chaiiwala was contacted for comment.
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