SOUTHAMPTON'S newest restaurant will open its doors for the first time tonight.

Tapas Barcelona is among the eateries created in the arts complex that is the centrepiece of the new Cultural Quarter.

Offering Spanish fare from Iberico ham croquetas and patatas bravas to paella, the £1m, 5,000sq ft new restaurant will be set over two levels.

The open kitchen, downstairs bar and dining area is on the ground floor while there is a mezzanine lounge bar upstairs.

The new restaurant is part of the Southampton-based Delicious Dining Group that owns other eateries such as Banana Wharf and the Grand Cafe.

They say it will take its inspiration from the Spanish city of Barcelona, and company chief executive Steve Hughes said: "We wanted to create more than just a tapas bar, we want our diners to have a Spanish dining experience on all levels from the authentic menu to the surroundings.

"It has been a big project and we have made sure there is something for everyone no matter what time of day."

The restaurant will open at 5pm tonight.