The newest Chinese restaurant in Swindon celebrated the Lunar New Year with a live dance performance in the town centre this weekend.

Hakka2, located at 40-42 Regent Street, marked its official opening alongside celebrations for the Chinese New Year on Sunday, welcoming in guests with lavish food and vibrant entertainment.

Swindon’s new Asian eatery is unique in that it predominantly serves the food of the Hakka, a unique ethnic sub-group of the Han and has a distinct dialect and cuisine.

The restaurant had a soft opening in December but officially opened on Sunday, January 30, with a live event and special meal.

Swindon Advertiser: Restaurant owner Christine Liaw with her partner and the lions after their performance had concluded.Restaurant owner Christine Liaw with her partner and the lions after their performance had concluded. (Image: Newsquest)

Those attending paid a total of £38.50 per person for several dishes of traditional Hakka food, including a mix of pork belly, chicken, smoked salmon, duck and more.

Prior to the food being served, guests at Hakka2 observed a special Lion Dance performed by members of the Yi Quin Dance Club of Bristol.

Two elegant lions, one yellow and one red, danced in Regent Street to the beat of live drumming, brightening up what was a gloomy and rainy Sunday afternoon.

The two vibrant creatures made their way into the restaurant and proceeded to dance around the tables inside, much to the delight of the customers.

Swindon Advertiser: The inside of the restaurant was full of guests that were eating from the special Chinese New Year menu.The inside of the restaurant was full of guests that were eating from the special Chinese New Year menu. (Image: Newsquest)

It was a team of nine who managed to put on the show from the dance company, with each member ensuring the performance was a success whether they were in the costumes or playing the instruments.

Restaurant owner and chef Christine Liaw, 43, was delighted with how her meticulously planned event worked out.

“I am so glad with today as lots of friends and customers have turned up to celebrate the Chinese New Year and the grand opening of our restaurant,” she said.

Christine, who runs several eateries in England, was born in Malaysia into a Hakka family and wanted to bring the recipes of her family to Swindon.

Swindon Advertiser: Members of the Yi Quin Dance Club who performed the impressive Lion Dance.Members of the Yi Quin Dance Club who performed the impressive Lion Dance. (Image: Newsquest)

“I think everyone has really enjoyed today especially since we have served food that is a little different from our standard menu and more traditionally Hakka,” she said.

“To be able to bring the Chinese New Year to Swindon is fantastic as otherwise the local people would have to travel to London or Birmingham to experience it.”

Hakka2 is open from 12pm to 3pm on Tuesday to Sunday, with a later shift of 5pm to 10:30pm available on each day barring Fridays and Saturdays when this is extended to an 11pm finish.

The restaurant is fully closed on Mondays.