A POPULAR restaurant may soon be able to cater for an extra 100 diners if its plans for an extension are successful.

The International opened its doors on Sticker Lane less than two years ago but already wants to expand its offering to include a private dining area.

Bradford Council has received a planning application to extend the dining area at the existing restaurant by 134 square metres.

The restaurant is one in a chain of two family-run establishments with the same name, with the other located at Morley Street in Bradford city centre.

The International on Sticker Lane The International on Sticker Lane (Image: Newsquest)

The CEO, Safeer Khan, whose father established The International in Morley Street, said demand has driven the expansion plans.

He said: “We have been getting busier since my dad retired and I took over.

"It’s always been about the food, but the decor and atmosphere was a bit different before, so when we took over we changed it a bit and it started getting busier.”

Mr Khan said the strong reputation of the Morley Street restaurant has had a knock-on effect on the Sticker Lane site.

“We have just got so busy,” he said.

“The International has always had that name from the 1970s, 80s and 90s. We have got the food – we have always had great food. But it was all about consistency, service, and taking the brand to the next level. 

“One of the reasons we have been so busy here is because of the location – it’s on a busy main road, and it’s got a huge car park that goes all around the building. This is what people are looking for now.”

Mr Khan said the proposed extension will provide a private dining area for small parties of 25-30 people, or larger gatherings of 70-80 people. The extension will have the potential to be closed off from the existing dining area for larger parties, and there will be a separate room for small gatherings.

The plans, which include staff facilities, won’t reduce the number of car parking spaces at the restaurant.

It is proposed that the side extension will be built from blockwork with render to match the existing building, with concrete tiles on a pitched roof.

The neighbour consultation period closes on Sunday, September 15, with a decision on the planning application expected by Monday, October 14.

If the planning application is successful, Mr Khan hopes to open the extension, which will reflect the existing restaurant’s modern decor, by February of next year.