Manchester’s food scene continues to flourish with the addition of another top drawer restaurant to it ranks – Grafene. Inspired by modern Manchester, hospitality entrepreneurs Paul and Kathryn Roden have made a £1m investment into the 55 King Street site formerly the home of Brasserie Blanc.
This powerhouse couple certainly know a thing or two about the restaurant trade. They are owners of the four-star Losehill House Hotel and Spa and its award-winning restaurant. They are keen to bring their passion for fine food into the heart of their big city.
Having created 50 new jobs, the 190-seat restaurant houses an impressive cocktail and champagne bar and restaurant, with Modern British fine dining in an informal atmosphere. The confident, selective approach to its food and drink menus is guaranteed to be a sure fire hit with fastidious foodies and anyone who enjoys a great dining experience.
The fantastic management team are genuinely excited to be part of a new and innovative restaurant and bar on King Street.
Under the direction of the group’s Executive Chef Darren Goodwin, a great new team at Grafene offers an eclectic menu from Breakfast through to Dinner which will comprise a daily changing market based a la carte menu, a 7-course taster menu and interesting small plate options, all sourced from non-GM local or artisan suppliers.
The dramatic island bar serves vintage champagne, local beers and cocktails inspired by the scientific innovation of graphene. Staffed by some of the most celebrated mixologists in the North West offering an innovative approach, the bar serves a selection of small plates and light food, and has already turned Grafene into a destination in its own right.
Grafene offers a superb wine list, creating an opportunity for tasting sessions in the dedicated wine room, along with wine matching for the tasting menus.
An open pastry kitchen in the heart of the restaurant offers a visual and entertaining experience from breakfast through to lunch, afternoon tea and dinner.
Two intimate private dining areas specialise in wine tasting, either as an accompaniment to the daily changing tasting menu, or as a dedicated activity tailored to each party.
The interior of the venue has been transformed into a dramatic elegant space which will be complemented by an al-fresco dining area on the thoroughfare between King Street and Chapel Walks, featuring a sliding glass wall to bring the outside in, and an innovative light box changing with the moods of the day.
Paul Roden said: “We were inspired by the world’s first 2D material Graphene, first isolated at Manchester University. Grafene is our food and drink interpretation of this exciting new chapter in Manchester’s rich history, and of the excitement and energy there is around its possibilities for science and technology.
“While we are serious about our food, there is no need to take eating out so seriously that it stops being fun. With private booths and a big bar space, we will create a relaxed, unstuffy atmosphere for people to enjoy. Grafene will offer a truly unique experience in the heart of the city.”
For more information about this very exciting restaurant, please go to website www.grafene.co.uk now. To catch up with them on social media, check out their Facebook or Twitter page.
*Images courtesy of Manchester Confidential and Manchester Evening News*