An Indian restaurant based in a former Great Yarmouth town centre pub building is relocating to a bigger former public house in Gorleston.

Due to increasing popularity, the Indian Food Club - currently based on Market Place inside one half of the former Gallon Pot - will be moving to the former Tramway pub on Lowestoft Road in Gorleston later this year.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The Tramway pub in 2021.The Tramway pub in 2021. (Image: James Weeds)Owner Jilvi Manickathan, 48, said: "The support from local people has been fantastic.

"We have been here for nearly three years and continue to grow. 

"We have had increasing popularity, but it is a small restaurant and we now need a bigger place with greater ambience."

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Jilvi Manickathan outside the Indian Food Club in Great Yarmouth, which remains open while renovations are carried out at the new Gorleston premises.Jilvi Manickathan outside the Indian Food Club in Great Yarmouth, which remains open while renovations are carried out at the new Gorleston premises. (Image: James Weeds)The restaurant has grown at a steady rate through word of mouth and now has a throng of returning customers, Mr Manickathan said. Its current seating capacity of 21 will be boosted to up to around 80 once the move is complete.

"It's a big difference," said Mr Manickathan. "Gorleston is growing, and it is getting quite the restaurant scene. I think the new place is perfect for what we need."

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Indian Food Club will be moving from the former Gallon Pot premises later this year.Indian Food Club will be moving from the former Gallon Pot premises later this year. (Image: James Weeds)With a bigger kitchen and doubling its current number of staff, Indian Food Club will also soon be offering breakfast and lunch, as well as evening meals.

Renovations inside the Gorleston premises is underway and is expected to be completed in the next three months.

Once the new premises is up and running, the owner said the restaurant is also looking to expand its offerings, introducing different Indian dishes, as well as Indo-Chinese fare. 

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Indian Food Club owner Jilvi Manickathan (left) with some of his staff in 2022.Indian Food Club owner Jilvi Manickathan (left) with some of his staff in 2022. (Image: Newsquest)"We listen to customers and will also have some dishes available for people who don't necessarily like Asian cuisine," he added.

"We also alter the spiciness of our dishes according to each customer's taste. 

"If someone wants an authentic Indian meal, this is the place."

There are no current plans for the Great Yarmouth premises, but the neighbouring shop - World of Spices - will not be affected by the move.

THE CHANGING FACES OF GORLESTON PUBS

With The Tramway soon to become an Indian Restaurant, public houses in Gorleston have evolved over the years.

While firm favourites such as the Short Blue, Kevill Arms and Dock Tavern remain open, the fate of other once-loved boozers has changed. 

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The new Tesco Express in Gorleston, which used to be The Albion.The new Tesco Express in Gorleston, which used to be The Albion. (Image: Andrew Old) After being closed for several years, The Albion was converted to a Tesco Express in September. Over on the Magdalen Estate, the old Cap and Gown was demolished in 2010 and homes now stand in its footprint.

It is believed a public house has stood at the bottom of Ferry Hill for more than 800 years. However, the former Ferry Boat Inn closed its doors in 2016 and is now a residential premises.