Derby’s Award-Winning Nicco Restaurant Set for Major Expansion After Record-Breaking Year

DERBY, UK – Nicco Restaurant and Bar, a premier culinary destination in Pride Park, is set to undergo a significant transformation. Following an unprecedented year of growth and record-breaking demand, the restaurant has received formal approval from Derby City Council to expand its premises.

Since opening its doors on Wheelwright Way in 2021, Nicco has cemented its reputation as a standout venue, blending contemporary Indian-fusion cuisine with a vibrant, high-end cocktail bar. However, the venue’s rapid rise in popularity has led to a recurring challenge: the restaurant currently lacks the capacity to meet the volume of booking requests it receives daily.

Increasing Capacity for Celebrations

To address this, ownership applied for permission in March to build a single-storey extension, which has now been officially granted. Construction is scheduled to commence in early 2027.

The expansion will provide a versatile space specifically designed to host private functions, including weddings, birthday parties, and corporate events. The new area will feature its own dedicated bar, a mini-kitchen, and an integrated sound system, allowing the restaurant to provide a bespoke experience for private groups without disrupting the main dining floor.

“We are thrilled that Derby City Council has given us the go-ahead,” said Sanj Kumar, owner of Nicco. “We are turning a lot of booking interest away because we can’t cater for everyone at the moment, which is disappointing for both our customers and our team. This extension will allow us to accommodate more diners and host the private events we have been repeatedly asked for.”

Enhancing the Customer Journey

Beyond the interior improvements, the planning approval includes a redesign of the site’s parking layout. A dedicated staff parking area will be created to separate employee and delivery vehicles from the customer lot, ensuring a smoother, more professional arrival experience for diners from the moment they pull up.

The council’s planning decision noted that the development is an “acceptable form of development” that aligns with the local area’s growth strategy, highlighting a positive and proactive collaboration between the restaurant and city planners.

A Hub for Innovation

Nicco has distinguished itself not only through its menu but through its forward-thinking event programming. Strategically located just a short walk from Pride Park Stadium, the restaurant has become a hotspot for Derby County match-day crowds.

The team continues to innovate with creative offerings, such as their recently launched “bottomless beer” experience—a morning twist on their popular bottomless brunch—and diverse themed evenings ranging from wellness-focused “Skin Vitality” events to their high-energy Saturday “After Hours” sessions.

Bhav Kumar, co-owner of Nicco, emphasized that the expansion is a response to their commitment to quality. “We are constantly looking at ways to enhance the elite dining experience at our venue. This approval means we can offer more people the opportunity to enjoy our award-winning cuisine and the innovative menu choices for which we have become renowned.”

As the venue looks toward the 2027 expansion, the team remains focused on its role in the local economy. “We anticipate this will further contribute to Nicco’s reputation as the go-to Derby venue and help boost the wider local economy,” Sanj Kumar added.

For those looking to experience the restaurant ahead of the expansion, the owners recommend booking in advance, particularly for their popular themed events. Further information on upcoming menus and booking details can be found by visiting the Nicco Restaurant expansion plan website.