clipped from news.bbc.co.uk
Syria may already boast some of the world's best food, but now it can also claim the world's largest restaurant.
Damascus Gate restaurant (courtesy of Damascus Gate website)
The 6,012-seat Damascus Gate has taken the accolade from a Bangkok eatery serving a mere 5,000 diners.
The crucial test for Guinness World Record officials is all the tables are properly catered for, and they likened the Syrian kitchen to a "mini-factory".
Located in a Damascus suburb, the restaurant, known as Bawabet Dimashq in Arabic, has been operating since 2002.
It has a huge open air area complete with pools, fountains and replicas of archaeological ruins for the summer, and separate themed areas for Chinese and Indian cuisine.
During the busy summer months up to 1,800 staff are employed in the 54,000 sq-m dining area and 2,500 sq-m kitchen.
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