THE NEW Kinema world buffet restaurant in Dunfermline opens to diners today (Monday) creating dozens of new jobs.

It played host to the likes of David Bowie, Elton John and The Supremes as an iconic music hall in its hey-day but it has been given a new lease of life for food lovers.

Work to turn the building into a 240-seat restaurant started earlier this summer.

It has undergone a massive refurbishment after lying empty for years.

Taking its name from its previous incarnation, the Kinema Restaurant opens at lunchtime today (Monday), promising to offer a ‘global fusion’ of dishes in a stylish setting.

The new owners say that not only have they saved a piece of Scotland’s live music heritage, but they have created a must-see restaurant that they hope will draw food-lovers from across Scotland.

Owner Yanli Zhao, a Kirkcaldy businesswoman, said: “The Kinema has a superb and rich history. Over the decades, tens of thousands of dancers and music lover would have come through its doors to see the likes of The Who, The Clash and even Iron Maiden!

“All of us at the Kinema are very proud to be writing this iconic building’s next chapter and hoping to be welcoming thousands more to our modern and stylish restaurant.

“There’s nothing like this in Dunfermline, or the wider area.

“We’ve curated dishes from around the globe - Chinese, Thai, Italian, Mexican - and presented them buffet style, and our chefs will perform at live cooking stations at our Teppanyaki Grill.”

The Kinema will also be offering a cocktail menu with spirits and craft beers from across the world.

About 40 jobs have been created, with general manager Connor Young and head chef Scott Spink both recruited locally from Dunfermline.

Ms Zhao was first given permission to turn the club into a ‘world buffet-style’ restaurant in October 2016.

The building started as the purpose-built Kinema Ballroom in December 1938 and, due to popular demand, it was extended in 1964.

Known over its 80 years as the Kinema Ballroom, Night Magic, Hollywood Boulevard and latterly Velocity, for decades it was at the centre of Dunfermline’s entertainment scene and one of Scotland’s most important venues for live music.

But for many locals it was the place that many West Fife couples got together at the dancing and a special place to reminisce on their courting days.

Ryan Barrie was consultant for the project to overhaul the Kinema. He said: “The Kinema is filled with stories and heritage, and I was delighted to be involved in this exciting and unique project.

“The new restaurant really does have the X factor, with the chefs as the headline acts and its exceptional interior as the luscious stage for their creations.

“I can’t wait for it to open and people experience its awesome interior and exceptional food and drink.”