Restaurant planning success on a plate

Dec 10 2007 by Peter McCusker, The Journal

A NEW £1m restaurant opened last weekend.

Ristorante Fratelli in Ponteland is situated above the new Sainsburys development.

It is a family orientated Sardinian and Italian restaurant that can seat 200 people.

The restaurant, which has been designed to accommodate business meetings and conferences for the local business community, is the first joint venture for Italian brothers-in-law Fabrizio Saba and Paul Bernardelli, who own Sabatini restaurant on Newcastle’s Quayside and Prima pizzeria on Dean Street respectively.

Fabrizio said: “The restaurant has undertaken months of design, building work and interior decoration but we are now delighted to say it has opened this weekend. We want to treat the local residents and show them Fratelli was worth waiting for, so that’s why we are putting on a couple of preview evenings.”

“The name Fratelli is Italian for brothers, which we thought would reflect not only that this is our first joint venture together, but that this is a real family place to eat in Ponteland.”

“As a Ponteland resident myself I noticed a niche in the market for an Italian restaurant large enough to cater for everyone, so we have created specific areas such as a section that can accommodate a large group of diners or small functions, areas that families can enjoy a relaxed meal with their kids and secluded corners for couples or older people who want a quiet meal.”

Interior design company Blueprint has created the contemporary interior for the restaurant which will be open from 12 for coffee, snacks, lunch and evening meals.

The restaurant also features a mezzanine floor for meetings and small conferences for the local business community.

Paul said: “The design of Fratelli will enable people to relax and enjoy the restaurant in true Italian style, from cappuccino with the papers, to lunch with friends or business associates, evening meals or just pop in for a quiet drink with friends.

“Our special focus will be to ensure that family dining will be enjoyable which is very Italian, and as the kitchen will be open plan, children can watch the chefs prepare their food.”