Three brothers have described how they turned a dilapidated building into a stunning new restaurant.

The Kashish restaurant based in Lancaster has had a £300,000 makeover and a new lease of life.

Brothers Mohammed Dilpazir, Mohammed Sagir and Mac Khan set about turning the Victorian building into a stunning 120 seater halal restaurant in the heart of historic Lancaster.

It was officially opened earlier this summer.

Mac told us, “We have to say it has been amazing journey for us. When we first decided to take this project on we didn’t know what to expect.

“But now the hard work has paid off and many people have commended us for bring back to life this magnificent building.”

The Kashish Buildings were originally designed by renowned designers E G Paley of Paley and Austin Architects who built the building in 1870 for Richard Fawcett a well-known business man and marble merchant. Mr Fawcett was also the Mayor of Lancaster in 1865.

In 1881 the premises were occupied by Anthony Bell and Sons, marble masons and sculptors, whose unique marble chimney pots still adorn many a property in Lancashire.

The building has always been architecturally significant because of its Venetian style which is unique in this area of Lancaster and it was to this backdrop that in the early 90’s the property was bought back to life by the current management’s family members who began trading as “The Nawab Balti House”. “Our uncle ran the restaurant until 1997 but then decided to close it. He retrained as a funeral director in Bradford so the building and the business fell into disrepair.

“This building was empty and was literally a shell when we decided to begin work on it.

“We are glad to say our uncle still involves himself in an advisory capacity within the restaurant.”

They set about completely renovating the building.

“Every part of the building had work undertaken on it. When we were looking to redesign it we decided to make something unique which would also have the wow factor.

“It was important though to maintain parts of the traditional look of the building whilst at the same time bringing it into the tenty-first century.”

The halal restaurant does not sell alcohol and is set over two floors.

“I think people will be impressed when they arrive. We have some talented chefs serving up some tantalising dishes.

And for most people in Lancashire we are only 30 minute drive away on the M6.”

The Kashish Restaurant is based on Parliament Street in Lancaster.