Multi-award-winning restaurateur Andy Lennox is to re-enter the Thai market after a gap of two years.

He is to launch a new high-end Thai brand – Nusara – with the first restaurant opening next month at 8-10 Castle Street in Christchurch.

It comes two years after he sold, and exited, the Koh Thai brand founded in 2009.

He subsequently founded Zim Braai which now has restaurants in Ashley Cross and Bournemouth.

Andy said: “Nusara will combine the age-old tradition of fire grilling alongside time-honoured recipes with a balanced Thai menu of meat, fish and plant.

“What’s in a name?

“Nusara is a labour of love, born to create something truly special, a safe home, and a Mecca for Thai lovers everywhere.

“Nusara is about family, about exploring Thai food to its next level and delivering a truly exceptional dining experience.”

Led by Andy, Nusara will bring back together an award-winning team including Thai Select Premium chef Thammanoon Thurasan alongside Eponymous Nusara Padungwong.

Sophie Cox,  Zim Braai Operations Director and Acorn award-winner, will take up the position of Group Operations Director.

Andy, pictured left, can trace his love for the hospitality sector from the age of 14, peeling potatoes in the kitchen of his local pub.

At the age of 21 he was one of the founders of the Koh Thai restaurant group.

It became the most successful Thai restaurant group in the South West.

In 2016 Andy conducted a Management Buy Out of his fellow business partners and sold Koh to a private equity house – a sale reported to be in the millions at the time.

Two years later and with 14 units, he exited the business after ten years at the helm.

In March this year, Andy launched a group connecting hospitality businesses across the BCP conurbation called The Wonky Table.

Aimed at acting as one voice during the pandemic crisis it has grown to represent more than 300 venues.