A family-run restaurant launched in Ipswich just over a year ago has doubled its financial projections in its first 12 months.

Aurora, based on the Ipswich Waterfront, has also just been included in the EADT’s Suffolk Future50 listiing of up-and-coming businesses for the second year running.

Marking the occasion with a birthday celebration in the restaurant, Callum Hewitt, owner of Aurora, said: “It’s been a fantastic year. Although it was certainly hard work in the beginning, we have created a really strong team who have all pulled together and worked incredibly hard to create a dining destination for Suffolk.

“The feedback we’ve had from customers has been positive and I think it’s definitely a sign of the economy turning that we have been full to capacity almost every weekend.”

And there are no signs of slowing, with a large number of Christmas parties booked for the next three weeks, a full calendar of live music, numerous weddings to host next year and the outside dining area to be developed, Aurora is also about to release it’s expansion plans, which will be announced in the New Year.

Callum added: “I’m really grateful to those who have supported us in our first year and we can only hope that with our continued hard work and local support, our second year continues in the same manner.

“A special mention must go to our Chefs – in particular Head Chef, Stuart Drane. They’ve worked tirelessly to create fantastic food which is one of our biggest draws of Aurora.”