New Laois culinary experience promised at 'landmark' Portlaoise building
Indian restaurant Main Street
A new Indian restaurant, Kohinoor, is set to open soon in one of the most iconic buildings in Portlaoise.
Kohinoor will be housed in the historic building that once served as an AIB bank. The proprietor of the new business Ali Arshad says this heritage building has been carefully renovated to retain its historical charm while introducing a vibrant and contemporary dining space.
"Kohinoor promises to bring an authentic Indian culinary experience to our community, with a menu crafted to tantalize the taste buds of locals and visitors alike. The opening of Kohinoor is not just about a new dining option; it's about breathing new life into a treasured piece of Portlaoise's history.
"We believe this story will resonate with your readers, highlighting both the preservation of local heritage and the introduction of a new cultural and culinary experience," said the proprietor.
The National Built Heritage Service survey of the building said this late-Victorian bank designed by John Joseph O'Callaghan (c.1838-1905) "stands out in the otherwise modest streetscape".
"The building maintains landmark status within the streetscape, not only from its strong cultural and social associations as a former bank, but also from its topographical location, on a detached site, set back slightly from the street. While some of its original features have been lost, the overall composition and appearance remains intact and it retains many decorative elements of a high architectural quality.
Recent years have seen many unoccupied buildings along the Laois county town's main thoroughfare.
Laois County Council will soon start a major residential development near the former bank at the site of the former County Hotel.