A NEW restaurant dishing up “authentic South Indian cuisine” looks set to open in Colchester following the closure of a beloved fish and chip shop.

Signs for Café Malabar have appeared in North Station Road on a vacant unit which was previously home to the popular Dolphin Fish Bar.

Dolphin Fish Bar closed its doors only a few weeks after the Norfolk Fish Bar, located just 300 metres away, announced its permanent closure due to “unforeseen circumstances”.

The Gazette was previously led to believe the chippy would reopen following a refurbishment, but the takeaway has remained shut ever since the middle of summer.

Gazette: Goodbye - The previous traditional Dolphin Fish Bar seen in July, 2023 with a 'to let' signGoodbye - The previous traditional Dolphin Fish Bar seen in July, 2023 with a 'to let' sign (Image: Newsquest)

New takeaway Café Malabar, however, now looks set to open within the site, which is currently still undergoing an internal revamp.

Once opened, the eatery will serve Halal food, meaning the food meets the dietary standards required for practicing Muslims.

The new food spot could also still serve "traditional fish-and-chips" - if the outside signage is anything to go by - meaning it may well remain as a local chippy.

In pictures seen by the Gazette, a Deliveroo sign can also be seen adjourning the site - a bonus for people who want both Indian cuisine and fish and chips – together or separate – delivered to their homes.