A FORMER mayor has opened up a new restaurant on Maldon High Street.

Abdul Hafiz and wife Shamema Begum had the formal opening of their Maldon Spice restaurant on Sunday.

Current town mayor David Ogg cut the ribbon to formally open the restaurant. 

Mr Hafiz, also known in the community as Jhual, is an award-winning restaurateur with three decades of experience under his belt.

He was formally a partner in the successful Maldon Tandoori.

He stepped out with support from his wife to open up his own business.

The move was announced a few months ago in a statement on the restaurant’s social media pages.

It read: “It has been 31 years since I started working with my family in the catering industry and it has been a fantastic journey thus far. 

“I have met some amazing people along the way, both staff and customers alike. 

“This week one chapter closes and another one opens.” 

The owners, and current town mayor Mr Ogg were joined at the official opening last weekend by mayoress Sharon Ogg, Maldon MP John Whittingdale, Maldon District Council chairman Mark Heard, deputy mayor Andrew Lay and fellow former mayor Richard Miller.

Other business owners around Maldon also attended.

Maldon Spice, at 111 High Street, is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 5pm to 10pm. 

For more information go to maldonspice.co.uk.