The Italian Orchard has unveiled a new bar area and retractable glass roof as part of a 500 sq m expansion.

The new features at the popular Broughton restaurant were unveiled following six months of construction work.

The expansion has been carried out thanks to the support of a seven-figure funding package. The funding has also been used to convert the top floor of Stratos in Preston city centre into staff accommodation.

The expansion has boosted capacity at The Italian Orchard by 50 covers a night, and created ten new jobs.

Owned by north west Italian restaurateurs San Marco Group, this is the third time The Italian Orchard has expanded.

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Carlo Bragagnini, director at San Marco Group, said: “Over the last four decades, San Marco has grown from one small, family-run restaurant into an established and highly regarded chain of bars and restaurants.

“When the chance to expand the existing premises at The Italian Orchard arose, we immediately recognised the potential to not only satisfy increasing demand but also to implement plans for future growth.

“The move gives us the financial strength to accelerate future planned projects, which include creating a new manufacturing facility that will begin supplying fresh pasta to our restaurants later this year.”

Garry Birchall, relationship director at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking who provided the funding, said: “The San Marco Group is an example of a dynamic business that refuses to stand still.

“Thanks to the ambition and drive of the Bragagnini family and its management team, the restaurant has cultivated a popular brand that will ensure it continues to prosper with each new venture.

“We’re proud to provide the tailored funding that firms like the San Marco Group need as part of our plan to Help Britain Prosper, which is why we’ve pledged to provide £1.3billion to businesses in the North West this year.”

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Are you a fan of The Italian Orchard? Have you visited since the expansion? Let us know in the comments below.