LOCKDOWN has been tough for the country’s hospitality industry and after a challenging year, The Vaults in Market Place is back open — with even more choice on the menu.

The Victorian vaults — a subterranean complex of restaurants and bars — is bringing some new international flavours and experiences for people to enjoy.

A first of its kind Oxygen Bar and Bandido’s Tulum, a Mexican restaurant, are to set to open in the popular food, drink and leisure court, which is bouncing back after the easing of lockdown restrictions — with all the established bars and restaurants having reopened Rachel Townsend, the centre' general manager, said: “The lockdown has been tough on our restaurants and cafes throughout.

“But the enthusiasm, skill and determination of our tenants means we are not only bringing back diners, but developing new offers to keep the centre fresh and exciting.”

Fazz Rahman, already famed for his Bengali restaurant, is bringing a Hispanic chef to offer the taste of Mexico at Bandido’s, where diners can enjoy authentic fajitas, burritos and tortillas.

“I am a great believer in providing the genuine tastes and flavours of the World” says Fazz.

“The new venture will be built around the culinary skills of Spanish chef Carlos, who really understands the right way to bring the blend of chilis, lime and tomato, that typify Latin American cooking. We may not be able to travel to Mexico right now, but that doesn’t stop us from taking people on a gastronomic journey.”

Another new venture is the ‘Oxygen Bar’, a regional first and the brainchild of entrepreneur, Alan Howcroft. Like similar bars in major cities around the world, people can relax while they inhale pure oxygen.

“We will be offering customers the chance to enjoy and a drink and inhale oxygen through a tube with up to 30 different flavours,” said Alan, who hopes to be open the bar by the start of July.

“The bar will also serve champagne, wine, cocktails and a few select beers. You need at least 10 minutes to feel the benefits of the oxygen, but it is very beneficial for hangovers and really makes you feel great.”

Also new to The Vaults is 'Underdog' a cafe which offers a selection of hot dogs.