A new sushi and pan-Asian restaurant in Kenilworth has already received great reviews from locals, just days after welcoming its first customers.

Laurent officially opened on Warwick Road on Saturday 30 August, with a highly successful launch party.

The town centre restaurant had already had a soft launch just over a week before, which had already brought a huge number of locals down to enjoy the varied menu.

Run by Jay Ali, his brother Alum and father Rois, the project to turn the former Indian restaurant into a high-end destination eatery has been a labour of love over the past few months.

"We had our soft launch last week, and it went really well actually," Jay told Nub News. 

"We have been busy every day since, which is great. 

"There have been lots of positive comments on Facebook and social media too. 

"And given we haven't really done much social media or advertising, we are really pleased. We have had many repeat customers already!"

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Wanting to bring a "Kensington, high end vibe" to Warwickshire - but keeping the menu affordable - Laurent has been completely transformed inside into a comfortable, contemporary setting.

With an experienced kitchen team, the menu is packed with a huge range of Asian food, from fresh sushi to mouth-watering Wagyu beef.

Diners can choose from small plates, sticks, salads, steak and fish mains and a wide range of vegetarian dishes. More vegan options are expected to be added soon.

"I wanted to get a sort of London, Chelsea, Kensington vibe into the Midlands," Jay explained.

"We haven't got anything quite like that here. 

"And the menu has got bits of everything really; obviously there is the sushi, then there is also the fresh fish, Wagyu steak, we have got everything on the menu. 

"So if you don't like sushi, you don't have to - there is lots of choice."

Laurent has already proved a big hit with locals (image via Laurent)

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Capable of seating up to 80 people at once, the restaurant is split over two floors, with the upstairs also available to hire for private functions.

Running a restaurant is also nothing new for the family, who are well known locally for having run the Rupali in Tile Hill for many years, as well as a number of other successful restaurants across Coventry.

And explaining the name, Jay said: "We have got a lot of illumination inside, a lot of natural stone and in French Laurent means 'glow'. 

"People have wondered if we were a French restaurant but the logo of the chopsticks makes it clear we are pan-Asian!"

Max - the former bar manager of The Kenilworth - has also joined the restaurant and will be bringing his experience and knowledge to the Laurent team.

Nub News was given a taste of the menu, and can assure readers the food was fantastic.

To find out for yourself, book your table here.

Laurent is French for 'glow' (image by James Smith)

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