Business

Eighteen jobs created at east Belfast restaurant after £750,000 expansion

Richard McCracken, owner and head chef at Cyprus Avenue, with Karen Hoey, business manager at Danske Bank. Photo: Kelvin Boyes/Press Eye
Richard McCracken, owner and head chef at Cyprus Avenue, with Karen Hoey, business manager at Danske Bank. Photo: Kelvin Boyes/Press Eye Richard McCracken, owner and head chef at Cyprus Avenue, with Karen Hoey, business manager at Danske Bank. Photo: Kelvin Boyes/Press Eye

EAST Belfast restaurant Cyprus Avenue, opened less than two years ago, has doubled in size and created 18 jobs following the completion of a £750,000 expansion project part-backed by Danske Bank.

The Ballyhackmore bistro was launched in January 2017 by Richard McCracken, a chef with over 13 years of experience, having trained with Michelin starred chefs Tom Kitchin and Andrew Fairlie in Scotland and Helene Darroze in Paris.

And it has now expanded into the adjoining premises on the ground floor, doubling the size of the restaurant.

A new central wine bar and additional seating means it can provide spacious open plan dining as well as a private dining area. Further work is due to be carried out next spring on the outside patio area at the front of the restaurant.

Mr McCracken said: “We purchased the adjoining premises because we couldn’t accommodate the growing demand, particularly at weekends.

"We hope the increase in space and new central bar area will allow guests to spend more of their evening at Cyprus Avenue."

He added: "The refurbishment work started in August and consisted of major structural changes such as the removal of steel beams and walls. The new furniture and windows are from local suppliers, and we were delighted to uncover an original terrazzo floor which we have had restored to its former glory.

"One of the neighbours said his father told him about Italians laying it just after the First World War. Along with the exposed brick and the big frontage, it makes for an atmospheric dining room.”

He praised the community of east Belfast for their continued support, and said that although staffing levels will increase, there is a great core team "who really get what Cyprus Avenue is all about”.

He said: “Since opening, the restaurant has been a huge success, but that wouldn’t be possible without partners such as Danske Bank. Our relationship manager has been hugely supportive of our plans and allowed us the flexibility to grow the business at our own pace.”

Karen Hoey, business manager at Danske Bank, said: “Cyprus Avenue has gone from strength to strength and is one of the most popular restaurants in the east of the city.

“Due to its popularity, there was a need for the restaurant to be able to cater for more diners which gave them the opportunity to expand the premises, and we look forward to hearing more about its success as it continues to flourish in the hospitality sector.”