Photos inside new Tawa Restaurant in St Albans Road, Watford

A new facade had appeared on the former Valley Pizza in St Albans Road in July, although at the time it was not known what was set to replace the pizzeria which shut earlier this year.

Inside Tawa in St Albans Road. (Image: Tawa Restaurant)Now, the new Tawa Restaurant opened in its place on Saturday (September 21), promising to serve “vibrant flavours of Pakistan and India”.

Tawa Restaurant opened on Saturday. (Image: Tawa Restaurant) The new eatery’s name comes from the style of serving meat and curries on a hot plate, which is a popular form of street food in India.Inside Tawa in St Albans Road. (Image: Tawa Restaurant)

• New Indian restaurant could replace former pizza takeaway
• Restaurant 'thrilled' to move into Watford's top spot on Tripadvisor

Staff member Ali Mohammad said the opening night was “very good” and the family-run business is confident it will be busy in the future.

Inside Tawa in St Albans Road. (Image: Tawa Restaurant) The 45-year-old added that the must-try dish for first-time visitors is its tawa-namesake with a selection of chicken and lamb kebabs and curries, served with rice and naan, as this is the “first time ever” the speciality has been brought to the town.

Inside Tawa in St Albans Road. (Image: Tawa Restaurant) Photos show that the new eatery has retained the previous wall decorations, while booth seating has been added as well as new floral decorations and LED signs.