Graphene-inspired restaurant opens in Manchester with £1m investment

LHH Investments Limited has launched a new restaurant in Manchester with financial support from Barclays.

Grafene, a modern British eatery, opened on this week on King Street following a £1m investment.

Located in the former Brasserie Blanc unit, the 190-seater restaurant is owned Paul and Kathryn Roden, who also operate the Peak District-based Losehill House Hotel & Spa, known for its dining offer The Orangery.

Grafene will be run by operations manager Kelly Wimbledon and deputy general manager Nick Wadeson. The site’s head chef, Damien Cuncliffe, previously served as the senior sous chef at West Didsbury-based Volta.

Taking its name from the 2D material Graphene, which was discovered by researchers at the University of Manchester, the restaurant is open for breakfast through to dinner. Grafene will offer a market-based a la carte menu, a seven-course taster menu and small plates.

Co-owner Paul said: “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.”

He continued: “Having a proactive bank and a mutual understanding with your relationship manager helps ensure the business is robust and here for the long term.

“We certainly look forward to the challenges ahead which are made all the more approachable when you have the full backing and support of your bank.”

Barclays relationship director Mike Holligan led the bank’s North West corporate banking team in providing the new facility.

Commenting on the launch, he said: “Paul and Kathryn have made a respected name for themselves at their Peak District hotel and restaurant.

“With our industry knowledge and ability to structure a finance package we were able to support our client with their ambitious plans to take a highly successful concept from the country into the heart of the city.”