20-05-2025
Pan-Asian East Kilbride restaurant to reopen four months after devastating blaze
The Pan-Asian restaurant had only recently opened its doors in late 2024 before the building went up in flames on January 15.
A Lanarkshire restaurant which was forced to close for four months after a devastating fire is to reopen tomorrow.
The Orient in East Kilbride is set to welcome back customers to the Westwood Square venue from 12noon following extensive restoration works.
The Pan-Asian eaterie had only recently opened its doors in late 2024 before the building went up in flames on January 15.
No one was injured in the accidental fire but the incident prompted road closures and widespread community concern, with neighbouring businesses also affected.
The restaurant indicated online that electrics had caught fire.
Lanarkshire Live told how gathering crowds looked on in horror as the fire raged dangerously close to neighbouring shops and flats above the square.
Residents along with staff and customers from the nearby Tesco Metro were evacuated as the fire rapidly developed.
Firefighters took around two hours to get the blaze under control. Police confirmed the fire was not started deliberately.
Since then, the owners have been working tirelessly to repair the damage and restore the much-loved venue.
With refreshed interiors and renewed determination, Mohammed Abdallah, co-owner of The Orient said they are ready to once again serve up their popular pan-Asian dishes to the people of East Kilbride and beyond.
He said: 'This restaurant is more than a business to me — it's a piece of my heart, a reflection of every risk taken, every late night, every ounce of belief.
"Losing it so soon after opening was devastating. But we chose not to dwell in the ashes — we chose to rise from them. Rebuilding this place has been the hardest thing I've ever done… and also the most rewarding.
"I'm overwhelmed with gratitude for everyone who stood by us, and I can't wait to open these doors again — not just as a restaurant, but as a symbol of resilience, community, and heart.'
The reopening marks a fresh start for The Orient and a welcome return for the popular local dining spot.
The restaurant is open from 12 noon daily.
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