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North Yorkshire entrepreneur expands into County Durham creating 20 jobs

Kamal Alley’s new Italian grill, Il Palazzo, has opened in Barnard Castle following the success of his other branches in Richmond.

Kamal has spent a year completely refurbishing the former Beaconsfield Hotel, in Galgate and extending the building to create a 100-seater restaurant with reception area, bar, conservatory and outdoor terrace.

Kamal’s third venture has created 20 jobs, including 10 current vacancies.

Mr Alley said: “I understand the building was a private house until 1955 when it was turned into a pub and hotel. It was in very bad shape when I bought it but I could see the potential. We have rebuilt it from the ground up and given it a new lease of life. It was sad, now it’s a happy place.

“Many customers from the Barnard Castle area who travel to our restaurant in Richmond asked me to open here. They are lovely people so I came to look and when I saw this building I knew I’d found the right place.

“When I do things I like to go to extremes, from the quality of our food to investment in the surroundings. I bought the lions one day when I was a bit depressed. I want them to be a talking point and something that will bring people to Barnard Castle.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ellen Forster .