Bailiffs have sealed off the controversial Markaz shisha lounge in Bradford city centre.

The bar-grill restaurant and smoking lounge in Centenary Square has been repossessed on behalf of its landlords, St Leonard Properties.

A notice posted on its door says the owners of Markaz and anyone linked to the business are banned from entering the premises.

Inside, the Arabian-themed business, with its expensive ornate carvings and tiled-decor, was still set for diners at the weekend. But there was no trace of its managing director Syima Merali, neither was she answering her mobile phone when the Telegraph & Argus tried to contact her. The restaurant’s answer machine said no-one was available to speak and it was not possible to leave a message.

  • Read the full story in Monday's T&A