Curry loving residents won’t have to wait much longer to enjoy their favourite food on their doorstep as Lindfield’s most eagerly awaited restaurant opens its doors.

Tamasha, which means ‘performance and celebration’, is almost ready to welcome its first diners, as the finishing touches are put to the lengthy renovation project.

Lindfield Life caught up with owner Ashraf Shah on Village Day and enjoyed a sneak preview of the premises, which have been transformed from the traditional pub interior of the former White Horse to a stylish and spacious restaurant, complete with booth seating and sparkly black floor tiles.

However, Ashraf has retained some original features such as the beams at the rear of the restaurant which have been restored and enhanced with roof lighting and skylights.

Ashraf and his team are looking forward to becoming part of the village. “I’ve wanted to open a restaurant in Lindfield for some time but couldn’t wish for a better location, on the High Street and opposite the pond,” he said. “Lindfield is such a great village and I’m looking forward to welcoming everyone.”

Ashraf, who has been in the restaurant business for more than 20 years, also owns the popular Tarana restaurant in Turners Hill.

“The menu at Tamasha will be very similar to Tarana,” said Ashraf. “We will be offering a takeaway service, and entertainment on Wednesday evenings.”

He added that this could range from belly dancing to Elvis and Michael Jackson tribute nights – all popular at Tarana.