A FOODIE favourite is set to reopen under new ownership in Halstead.

The Thai restaurant, Sing Tong, is due to open under the ownership of Bob Greyson.

The restaurant will be opening its doors on Saturday as the newly named, IMIAI, which means "happy" and "full" in Thai.

The former, Sing Tong, closed with short notice on November 1 for a refurbishment before the new owners took over.

Bob decided renovate and reopen the restaurant with his wife, Phanlee and step-daughter You Gar Kitpramuan, who are from Thailand.

Bob, 76, said: "My wife and stepdaughter are Thai, and we all decided to go for it and open a Thai restaurant.

"We've completely renovated, it really done out more like a cocktail bar."

The renovations on the restaurant took three weeks to complete, working late into the evenings.

Initially plans were to just give the rooms a new lick of paint but as they started, more work needed to be done.

The restaurant now has new wall, panelling, floors, decoration and a new bar.

Bob added: "We can't wait to get the door open and start making some money back on it.

"People in the community have said its quite good and seem positive about it.

"It is about time it was renovated."

IMIAI will be open from Saturday in Halstead High Street.