A NEW Indian fusion restaurant has opened inside a former city pub after a dramatic transformation.  

Aurora Experience in the former Postal Order pub in Foregate Street in Worcester opened to customers today as we reveal for the first time the venue's striking new look.

Worcester News: SHOW: Wolfie, a fire juggling stilt walker, welcomes people to Aurora in Foregate Street, unrecognisable from its days as the Postal Order SHOW: Wolfie, a fire juggling stilt walker, welcomes people to Aurora in Foregate Street, unrecognisable from its days as the Postal Order (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

The restaurant has a luxurious modern interior designed by owner Karamjit Singh and built by him with help from a team of workers and close support from John Rozier.

In a rare touch, giant synthetic flowers appear to bloom near the entrance while the private room takes the appearance of a waterfall due to lighting features. Meanwhile, a fire juggling stilt walker added to the carnival atmosphere on opening night. 

Worcester News: DRAMA: The lighting effects at Aurora create mood and atmosphere DRAMA: The lighting effects at Aurora create mood and atmosphere (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

Work began to transform the pub on January 24 this year ahead of the opening today.

The decor takes inspiration from Worcester itself including the swans of the river Severn (golden birds hang from the ceiling) and the Northern Lights which is the inspiration for the restaurant name.

Worcester News: SWANS: The swans of the River Severn and the Northern Lights are cited as sources of inspiration for the interior of Aurora Experience SWANS: The swans of the River Severn and the Northern Lights are cited as sources of inspiration for the interior of Aurora Experience (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

Mr Singh and wife, Sarina Kaur, who are originally from Worcester said they had fallen in love with the city.

The executive head chef, Lalit Bisht, has been brought in by the owners from central London.

Worcester News: INNOVATIVE: Gigantic flowers appear to bloom before your eyes at Aurora which has some interesting design features INNOVATIVE: Gigantic flowers appear to bloom before your eyes at Aurora which has some interesting design features (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

Dishes include traditional north Indian Seekh kebabs, sizzler platters, Calcutta chilli chicken, grilled club sandwiches, the Aurora beef burger, plant-based (vegan) burgers, Bombay Caesar salad, a variety of steaks from the grill (including Arabic lamb cutlets and Arabic style whole seabass, Punjabi fish and chips, Old Delhi butter chicken, Kashmiri Lamb Rogan Josh with basmati rice and a nan.

There are also a variety of sweet dishes including phirni, an Anjeer brownie, Jalebi cheesecake and Gulab Jamun and ice cream. Continental, British and American influences are said to be part of the inspiration for the cuisine.