IF THIS is really to be a ‘celebration of the future in a unique restaurant and bar’, the advertised seven course taster menus, ‘eclectic’ food, ‘artisan’ suppliers and ‘mixologists’ might suggest otherwise.
We are inspired by the world's first 2D material Graphene...
Still, there’s many reasons to be excited about Grafene (isn’t that ‘graphene’?), the new Modern British restaurant - inspired by the 2D wonder material founded in Manchester - taking on the former Brasserie Blanc site on that curious half square between Chapel Walks and King Street.
Firstly, the team have pedigree. A decade back, former Thistles Hotel director Paul Roden and his wife Kathryn took on Losehill House near Hope in the Peak District, soon achieving four AA stars for the hotel and spa alongside 2 AA rosettes and a Michelin entry for the Orangery Restaurant – heading up by Executive Chef Darren Goodwin.
Secondly, despite some interest (including an offer from El Gato Negro) the site has remained vacant for seven years, ever since ‘very high’ rents forced esteemed Michelin starred chef Raymond Blanc to scarper in 2009. The Roden's reported £1m investment could do much to animate this forgotten drag.
Most importantly, it means we can play out this scenario: “Waiter, waiter, this soup is a bit thin.” “Indeed sir, it’s one atom thick.”
The Rodens have reportedly pumped £1m into the former Brasserie Blanc site
The 190-cover restaurant - serving small plates, a market-based a la carte menu and a seven-course taster menu - will feature: an open pastry kitchen; a 'dramatic' cocktail and champagne bar; a wine tasting room; two private dining areas; and an outside terrace boasting a sliding glass wall and an 'innovative light box' which will 'change with the moods of the day'. Hmm.
"We are inspired by the world's first 2D material Graphene, first isolated at Manchester University," says Paul. "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."
It does seem an odd move, for a pair who've made such a success of a formal linen and silver country house affair out in the Peak District to move into the city and become so bogged down in a concept.
Still, nothing ventured, nothing gained... just ask Geim and Novoselov.
Grafene will open at 55 King Street sometime this July. Keep an eye out on Facebook.
The Grafene site on Chapel Walks
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