I liked this restaurant so much, I bought it

12:00am Wednesday 14th January 2009

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A RESTAURANT has proved to be the dish of the day for one couple who have bought their favourite eating place.

Sam Poots, and his Philippine-born wife Loritef, found Manoly’s Thai Restaurant, in the Broadway, Leigh, was very much on the menu when it came to deciding whether to make an offer on it.

The couple have been going to the restaurant for five years and can now be assured it’s there to stay after taking it off the market.

Mr Poots, 43, said his wife Loritef, 35, was absolutely horrified when she heard it was being sold, and she was very worried about what it would become.

He said: “We liked everything about it, both the food and the staff, who we had become very friendly with.”

The Poots and their two children live in Homestead Road, Billericay, and have big plans for their restaurant.

Mr Poots added: “Some of the areas in the restaurant were looking a little tired so we will be refurbishing almost everything.

“And we want to add a balcony where customers can eat on top of the rear extension we’ve applied for. Customers will not notice any change to the exterior, but they will be greeted by an authentic Thai restaurant.”

The only fly in their soup might be Southend Council. The restaurant is in Leigh conservation area and any changes will have to comply with stringent guidelines, but designing their own menu won’t be too much of a problem.

Asked what his wife’s favourite Thai food is, Mr Poots said: “Everything.”