Thirty jobs are to be created with a new venture by multi-award-winning restaurateur Andy Lennox in Poole.

The 34-year-old is launching a second Nusara, eight months after the opening of the inaugural Thai restaurant in Christchurch.

He’s taking over the Grade II listed building at 40-42 High Street, near to Poole Old Town, which was used by the Royal Navy during World War Two.

The new restaurant will become a flagship investment and include an ‘opulent’ Chiang Mai cocktail bar, 80 cover heated alfresco patio and a vaulted wine cellar.

The kitchen is to focus on creative Thai food cooked by world class chefs.

The new head chef, who cooked for the Princess of Thailand, will be backed up by Thai Select Premium chef Thammanoon Thurasan and Eponymous Nusara Padungwong to run the 150 cover kitchen.

The venue will also focus on the jazz bars of Chiang Mai city in Thailand.

There are plans to hold a series of live jazz and blues events across the summer and winter on the terrace and in the wine vaults during the winter.

Total investment in the new venture is described as “significant.”

Internal pictures of the building, before work started, were posted on his Facebook account by Andy.

The opening date is set for Wednesday July 14.

Speaking last year when he unveiled plans to launch the first Nusara, Andy, pictured left, 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.”

Andy’s latest venture comes three 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.

In April Andy joined forces with landlord Nick Pestana to form a joint partnership at one of Dorset’s oldest pubs – and his local –  The Old Thatch Wimborne.

Together they transformed the 17th century pub into a gastro pub, kitchen and country store.

Nusara, Zim Braai and the Old Thatch bars are now part of The Fired Up Hospitality Group Limited, incorporated in December 2020.

Andy is the sole Director.

The company plans to develop and grow its current businesses.

It also intends to expand into different areas of the hospitality sector by adding new brands and taking positions in independents, helping them grow.

Andy, who also founded The Wonky Table representing more than 500 BCP hospitality businesses, said: “It’s been an incredibly tough year for the industry and our teams.

“As we look to come out of the Covid-19 pandemic it’s now time to look to the future.

“With BCP Council’s pledge to invest heavily into Poole we now feel the time is ripe to invest into an iconic building with years of history.

“The regeneration of Poole starts now.”

• The ground floor restaurant at 40-42 High Street was previously occupied by Alcatraz Caffe before it ceased trading in April 2019.