AWARD-winning Newcastle restaurant Brunel's is to create 15 new jobs through a relocation to larger premises in the town.
The popular eatery is moving to a new 2,700 sq ft home on the Downs Road, which will cater for 70 customers - an upgrade on the current 40-seater capacity.
Due to open in mid-October, a significant sum has been invested in the restaurant, with upwards of £100,000 allocated to creating a new kitchen.
The venture sees head chef and director, Paul Cunningham team up with newly-appointed co-director and general manager, Fiona Davey for this new chapter for Brunel’s.
Mr Cunningham explained that the restaurant had outgrown its former home.
"Since opening in 2014, Brunel’s has established a loyal clientele, who enjoy fine and innovative dishes, created from the best of local and seasonal produce. As we built our reputation for creating good food from the heart and our customer-base grew, it became apparent that we needed more space so when the opportunity arose to move to a new location that was more central, and larger in size, we knew that it was time for the next chapter for Brunel’s."
Ms Davey added: "Having worked in the hospitality industry for many years, in some of Co Down’s finest restaurants, the time was right to return to my hometown and be part of this exciting new phase.
“Aligned with Brunel’s reputation for exceptional food, we have paid great attention to detail throughout our new restaurant. From our incredible menu, to the stylish interiors and high spec of the kitchen, we’ll be offering an unforgettable dining experience to customers, both old and new.”
Officially opening on October 14, Brunel’s will feature an open plan kitchen, a dedicated cocktail bar and will offer an exclusive list of wines that they state are unavailable in any other restaurant in Northern Ireland.
Meanwhile 10 jobs have been created at a new café on the Lisburn Road in Belfast.
Café Melrose has now opened at the former home of Jenz following a sizeable investment from new owners Paul and Sinead McElvanna.
“We are really happy with how the café is performing within the first couple of weeks. We have a wonderful kitchen team and already we seem to be gaining a reputation as an eatery which places big emphasis on quality, comfort and value," Sinead said.
