A NEW authentic Lebanese restaurant in the centre of York has opened its doors to diners.

Blue Heaven is situated in Coney Street and is the product of 18 months hard work by owners with five years’ experience in the industry.

The location took time to secure but once the lease on the four floors was acquired, the team was able to work with designers and architects inside and out.

York Press: Mixed Shawarma is on the Blue Heaven Classics section of the menuMixed Shawarma is on the Blue Heaven Classics section of the menu (Image: Blue Heaven)

The restaurant is open from 11am-11pm seven days a week, with covers for 100 diners at any one time, including a courtyard to the rear.

Plans are in place to develop upper floors as time permits.

The restaurant is in a grade II listed building on what was the site of a 17th century house.

York Press: The dining experience extends to a courtyard to the rear of the premisesThe dining experience extends to a courtyard to the rear of the premises (Image: Kevin Glenton)

The restaurant’s general manager and assistant manager say they have a combined experience in the trade of more than 20 years.

The menu draws on inspiration from Lebanese spices which are applied to "centuries-old culinary traditions that celebrate the rich flavours of the region".

These methods centre on a charcoal grill with the all-day menu offering skewers from £14.50 with salads and either rice, couscous, chips, naan bread or garlic bread.

York Press: Soup of the day features on the Cold Condiments section of the menuSoup of the day features on the Cold Condiments section of the menu (Image: Blue Heaven)

The Blue Heaven classics start at £14 and include a special called Bamieh Bil Lahme, which is okra cooked with cubes of lamb, tomatoes, onions, fresh coriander, olive oil, and served with rice.

A set-menu operates on weekdays offering any two or three options from four and starts at £21.

Children can choose from six options on a special menu for less than £6 with chips and a drink included and lunch time wraps are also available every day from £10.50.

York Press: The restaurant also welcomes those who wish to just have a drink The restaurant also welcomes those who wish to just have a drink (Image: Kevin Glenton)

Gluten-free and vegetarian options feature across the menus and there are steaks and sour dough pizzas on offer too.

The bar area to the front serves a range of cocktails, beers and wines.

The restaurant is happy to accept customers who only wish to have a drink and in addition, diners can stay at their tables after their meal for drinks.

Group bookings can also be accepted and Blue Heaven can be reached on 019 0462 7259.

More information and menus can be found here.