Turtle Bay, the Caribbean restaurant chain launched by Bristol entrepreneur Ajith Jayawickrema, is to open its ninth outlet next month in Bath.
The group is moving into part of a former music store in the vibrant heart of Bath – the latest restaurant to open in World Heritage city’s burgeoning food scene.
It is spending £900,000 converting the 5,000 sq ft space into a 150-seat restaurant and bar serving high-quality Caribbean food in a very relaxed atmosphere. 
Turtle Bay was launched by Las Iguanas co-founder Ajith two years ago and has already opened in Milton Keynes, Manchester, Birmingham, Leicester, Leamington Spa, Nottingham and Southampton as well as its high-profile outlet on Bristol’s Broad Quay. Last year it secured a £5.75m investment from Piper Private Equity to fund its rapid expansion. Piper has also invested in Las Iguanas and Bristol-based bar chain Loungers.
Ajith said: “I have had a love affair with Bath for many years and it has never waned. I am excited about opening Turtle Bay in the city.
“Everyone involved in this this project has been enormously helpful and in particular the planners, council and police. We will deliver a completely authentic quality Caribbean culinary experience with food, drink, décor, entertainment and personal service to visitors and the community at large, we are committed to bringing delicious and new Caribbean food to the table for Bath diners to savour and enjoy.”
Operations director Stephen Entwhistle added: “What is fantastic about the city of Bath apart from the historic buildings, is the growing global food culture and the current range and variety of Bath’s food offering.
“We are proud to be joining this community and looking forward to placing well-known and not so well known Caribbean dishes right in the heart of the city.”
The Bath outlet will open on June 26. Sixty staff are being recruited.
