From The Coal Shed to The Salt Room

One of the city's top restaurateurs has unveiled ambitious plans to open a new business and transform a prime seafront site.

Raz Helalat runs the hugely-popular Coal Shed in Boyces Street and has won plaudits for the restaurant's gourmet steak and seafood menu.

The Coal Shed was named as one of the best restaurants in the country by The Observer newspaper and has become a firm favourite with local foodies. Mr Helalat now has his sights set on establishing a new restaurant on Kings Road, in the part of the Hilton Brighton Metropole building that currently houses Bar 106.

Detailed plans have been submitted to the city council for the restaurant that will specialise in modern British dining and be called The Salt Room.

The plan comes as a welcome boost to the area ahead of the i360 development being built on the nearby seafront stretch.

The area is set to be re-branded as a cultural and creative quarter by the city council. A number of refurbished retail units in the archways under the promenade have started being leased to traders, with many having already moved in.