The owners of popular pan Asian restaurant Geisha are set to roll out the brand across the UK after securing “significant” investment.
Geisha Restaurant’s colourful Japanese garden theme - with flowers, botanical murals and lanterns hanging from the ceiling - is almost as well known as its food and cocktails, making it one of the region’s most Instagrammable venues. Over the last two years the Jesmond site has welcomed regular visitors as well as tourists and celebrities, including the likes of Newcastle United defender Kieran Tripper, Geordie Shore star Charlotte Crosby and Love Island’s Lillie Haynes.
After securing investment, the company has now revealed plans to expand is Jesmond base, while also taking the firm’s famed dim sum – and decor – outside of the region. Owner John-Paul Gardner has revealed the first images of the next two restaurants, as well as a first look at how the Jesmond extension will look.
Read more: Luxury homeware firm Rowen Homes to open Metrocentre store
Geisha Restaurant announced it had secured significant financial backing with the support of Lee Humble of Azets, to launch further Geisha restaurants throughout the UK.
Mr Humble said: “The Geisha experience is truly unique and Azets are very thrilled to be part of journey. The future of the Geisha brand is looking very exciting.”
The first phase of the new investment will be the redevelopment of the former Casa Antonio site in Benton, Newcastle ,where Geisha Italia Grill will open in March 2023 in the downstairs of the property. This will be closely followed by the launch of Geisha Asia which will be based in the upstairs area of the building.
Mr Gardner confirmed further potential Geisha locations are now being selected throughout the UK, thanks to the financial injection of private equity capital.
He said: “When we started Geisha, our vision was to give the people of Newcastle and the North East a unique dining experience, serving the finest food from around the world.
“The success of our Jesmond restaurant has blown us away and expanding the brand across the UK within two years of opening is huge for us. Our new site in Benton will see us expanding the Geisha brand into Italian cuisine. The opening of Geisha Asia and Geisha Italia Grill is just the beginning, we have big plans for Geisha, allowing the people of the UK to experience the best dishes and drinks from around the globe.”
READ NEXT
- Metrocentre confirms £20m NHS test centre to open in shopping mall
- Italian defence giant Leonardo to create 200 jobs with opening of Newcastle base
- Read more North East business news
- Owner of Stack drinking and dining destination Danieli Group hails record year
- North East deals of the week- key acquisitions, contracts and investments
