A NEW Thai tapas restaurant is set to open its doors later month after taking over a vacant unit in the heart of Stockton Heath. 

Chiangmai Thai Tapas on London Road is set to open to the public on Saturday, January 21, with an official opening scheduled to be held the following week on Saturday, January 28.

The store was left vacant after deli and wine bar Benvenuti relocated to Warrington Market last year.

Thailand-born head chef and owner Goya Griffiths said she was excited to bring some of her favourite dishes from Southeast Asia to Warrington.

She said: "The culture in Thailand is to share a selection of small dishes so that is where the idea of Thai tapas came from.

"This allows people to try different dishes which is possible because Thai food is quite light.

"It's about bringing people together to share in the experience."

Goya, who lives in Newton, is no stranger to running a restaurant after she opened Chiangmai Thai Bistro in Newton last May following the completion of a food production course at St Helens College.

Previously Goya launched her own catering business Saraphee from her home to provide Thai-style catering to a wide range of events, ranging from private parties, conferences, corporate events and official openings.

After learning to cook under the guidance of her grandmother from an early age, Goya now hopes to share her love of Thai cuisine with the people of Warrington.