A NEW restaurant officially opened in Andover with Test Valley mayor Cllr Alan Dowden cutting a ribbon to mark the occasion.

Sultan Indian and Bangladeshi Cuisine opened at 3B Union Street on Tuesday, March 28.

The family of owner Sultan Karim was also present for the opening of the restaurant.

The restaurant offers a variety of Indian and Bangladeshi food and provides dine-in, takeaway, and delivery services.

The unit was refurbished ahead of the opening and replaces the Curry Leaf restaurant which used to be popular in Andover.

READ MORE: New Indian restaurant Sultan to open in Andover

Mr Karim, 37, expressed his excitement about the opening, hoping that his restaurant will become the "nicest restaurant" in the region.

He used to work in the hospitality sector and took the opportunity to open his own restaurant when the Curry Leaf was up for sale.

The restaurant is licensed to sell alcohol, and Karim hopes to bring a variety of Indian and Bangladeshi dishes to the Andover community.

The restaurant has started with nine staff members - four in the kitchen, three including Mr Karim at the front, and two delivery drivers.

The head chef has over 15 years of experience working in various Indian restaurants in Salisbury and London.

Mr Karim plans to hire more staff if the restaurant gets busier in the coming months.