An award-winning Derby restaurant has been given the go-ahead to expand its premises following a record-breaking year.
Nicco Restaurant and Bar opened in Wheelwright Way in 2021 and quickly built a reputation for its high-quality contemporary Indian-fusion menu and vibrant cocktails. Its success has meant demand for bookings now exceeds its current dining capacity.
In March, the restaurant applied for an extension to create more dining and function space. Permission has now been granted by Derby City Council.
Sanj Kumar, owner of Nicco Restaurant in Pride Park, said: “We are thrilled that Derby City Council has given us the go-ahead to expand the restaurant and bar.
“We are turning a lot of booking interest away because we can’t cater for everyone at the moment, which is disappointing for both customers and the restaurant. The extension will allow us to accommodate more diners and private events.”
Work will begin in 2027 to create the restaurant’s extension. The space will create a flexible dining space for private functions, weddings, birthdays and other celebratory groups, and will have its own bar, mini kitchen and dedicated sound system.
Approval for the single-storey extension also includes the creation of a new staff parking area designed to improve the customer experience from the get-go by separating staff and delivery vehicles from customer parking.
Sanj said: "I'm really excited about expanding the venue. This has been a record-breaking year in terms of bookings, parties and innovative event planning and execution. The extension will add extra capacity and the opportunity to continue offering new and exclusive events allowing us to stay at the top of our game.
“We've got some work going on at the moment but I'm hoping we can start work in early 2027.”
Under the terms of the permission, work is required to begin within three years of the date permission was granted.
The planning decision states: " The proposal is an acceptable form of development that, on balance, accords with the Development Plan when read as a whole.
"In dealing with this application the City Council has worked with the applicant / agent in a positive and proactive manner and has secured appropriate and proportionate improvements to the scheme which relate to further highways information."
Sanj said: “We are excited about the possibilities for this space and anticipate it will further contribute to Nicco’s reputation as the go-to Derby venue and in turn, help boost the wider local economy.”
Nicco Restaurant & Bar co owner, Bhav Kumar, said: “We are constantly looking at ways to enhance and expand the elite dining and customer experience at our stunning restaurant.
“Approval for the extension means we can offer more people the opportunity to enjoy our award-winning cuisine, unrivalled attention to detail, and innovative menu choices for which we have become renowned.
“Booking is always advisable, especially for our special events”.
The successful Indian restaurant in Pride Park is just a few minutes’ walk from Pride Park Stadium, which has contributed to its popularity as both an evening and daytime venue, especially on Derby County match days.
The forward-thinking restaurateurs are continually innovating. The most recent addition to their offering is bottomless beer, a twist on the success of the business’ bottomless brunches. Held Friday to Sunday from 10am until noon, guests can enjoy 90 minutes of unlimited flowing beer alongside either a breakfast Naanwich, The Big Bombay, Chole Bhatura or Aloo Paratha.
In addition, the popular Derby venue hosts regular themed events such as its forthcoming Skin Vitality evening, and its newly launched Saturday ‘After Hours’ event, as well as offers including Kids Eat Free during August.
Visit Nicco Restaurant & Bar | Indian Dining & Cocktail Bar for more details about events, menus and booking.
