Major Refurbishment at Food by Breda Murphy

Work is well underway at Food by Breda Murphy, in Whalley, as it undergoes a major refurbishment, set for completion in Spring 2017.

The renovations will see it double in size, creating a 100-cover restaurant, including: a glazed dining room, first floor private dining area, bar and adjoining delicatessen. 

A 400sq ft, double storey extension will be added at the rear, with a state-of-the-art kitchen, specifically for delicatessen and outside catering, created in the basement. Above, a floor glazed dining area for 20 guests will be created, offering unrivalled views of Whalley Viaduct and beyond.

A new bar will be a focal point on the ground floor, surrounded by casual seating, creating the perfect place for an aperitif or digestif. The main restaurant will extend off this, with the existing two dining areas reformatted and upgraded, to seat 45.

Meanwhile, the previously unused first floor, will be converted into a luxurious private dining area, catering for up to 35 guests, together with its own bar, service kitchen and separate washroom facilities.

Finally, a stand alone delicatessen, with a separate street level entrance, will adjoin the main building. Light breakfasts, cakes and coffees will be on offer here, together with take out meals or sandwiches. Customers can also place and collect outside catering orders.

Investors, Michael and Candice Reilly, have helped the dream become a reality for Breda Murphy, who, with the help of head chef, Gareth Bevan, and team have successfully built the business over the last decade, winning critical acclaim from national food writers and achieving successive listings with Michelin, The Good Food and Harden's Guides.

Commenting on the expansion, Proprietor, Breda Murphy says: "The last 10 years' have been a great success, but we simply outgrew the space we had. These changes were essential if we wanted to grow and take the business to the next level.

Internal strip out of the building is complete and work is now starting on the foundations for the kitchen and glazed extension at the rear. Meanwhile, a 30 UB, 4.5m steel beam was installed to reinforce the first floor structure.  The Sandstone bay windows, a focal part of the attractive Station Road frontage, have been been sandblasted back to their original glory.

Breda concludes: "We're working hard to ensure the new look Food by Breda Murphy has something for everyone – whether it's morning coffee or a takeaway sandwich, ready meals or collection food, to a romantic dinner, or private hire for a family occasion or corporate event. Every aspect will have our stamp on it – with food excellence, personal service and a warm Irish welcome at our very core."

The work is being carried out by John Reilly Civil Engineering. The new look restaurant and delicatessen will open in April 2017 and will include evenings and extended opening times.

Photograph: Breda Murphy, Managing Director with Lauren Reilly Surveyor, John Reilly Civil Engineering.