CUSTOMERS in a new Greek restaurant in Taunton will be welcome to throw flowers - but plate smashing is most definitely off the menu.

Papa's Taste opened last week in North Street in the former Ladbrokes betting shop.

Partners Nina Bejan and Athanasios Papadopoulos relocated the eaterie from Crown Walk to a more central position in the town.

The business currently offers deliveries and collections but hopes to open as an eat-in restaurant very soon once it gets its alcohol licence.

Nina, who was born in Romania, grew up in Greece and moved to England five years ago.

She said: "I wanted to bring a part of Greece I love so much to Taunton.

"I have happy memories of growing up with Greek people and want to share the culture, food and everything with the people of Taunton.

"Greek food is amazing. I learned to cook with old Greek ladies. Everything I know, the recipes, are thanks to them. I've never been to chefs' school.

"I cook proper Greek food, with fresh ingredients rather than supermarket products."

When she lived in the Greek city of Kalamata, Nina and her daughter used to spend every Christmas in Taunton, where her sister lives.

"I like Taunton, but there was nothing properly Greek here," she added.

"We opened in Crown Walk and were there for about four years. But it closes at 6pm and is very quiet, so we decided to move to somewhere more central.

"The business is going OK since we opened here. I've put a lot of effort into it and want it to succeed.

"It will be a place where people can come to chat, eat and hear Greek music. We've kept the kitchen open so people can see what's going on."

Greek specialities such as stofado, moussaka, spinach calamares and giant beans and vegetables will be served up.

But Nina, who expects to employ around ten staff, warned against plate smashing.

"That's not allowed because it's dangerous," she said. "In Greece they throw flowers instead now, so customers will be welcome to do that."