THIRTEEN RESTAURANTS, 550 employees and an annual turnover of £20million built up from scratch – that’s one very impressive empire for a Saddleworth businessman.
And there is no sign of slowing down for jovial Martin Wolstencroft as he has just thrown open the doors of his latest venue – Banyan Bar and Kitchen – in Manchester this month.
Nestled in the grade-two listed Corn Exchange just steps away from Victoria Station and the Arndale Shopping Centre, the restaurant and bar is Martin’s first in this city centre.
And the former Saddleworth School pupil is confident its top location and delicious all-day offerings using fresh, local ingredients will make an immediate impact.
Martin said: “We’ve got a superb south-facing terrace in a central location right next to the train station and shops, and it’s just going to grow more and more.
“Banyan is a stylish and genuine bar, serving beautiful food and drink. It is a place you visit once, set down roots and return time and time again.”
The stylish bar area with striking floor-to-ceiling windows offers the perfect place to meet up for coffee and cake during the day or share drinks from the extensive menu in the evening.
A grand sweeping staircase leads to the restaurant, which serves everything from English Breakfast to classic main meals and traditional Sunday lunch from its open-plan kitchen.
And hidden away downstairs are two private rooms – The Root and The Well – where guests can enjoy a special occasion in style or entertain business clients.
All this was unveiled at ‘soft openings’ with guests including Martin’s family and friends, former school teacher Eddie Barton, and rugby stars Kevin Sinfield and Barrie McDermott.
This latest Manchester spot in the next step in Martin’s extensive portfolio which he has built up across Leeds, York and Harrogate over the last 15 years.
In 2000, Martin was working as the youngest manager in history at Whitbread and was the first to hit £1million in sales before being made Area Manager.
But he traded it all in to set up Arc Inspirations with business partner Chris Ure and they took a gamble on their first venue The Arc in Headingley, Leeds.
“I had to remortgage our house and borrow from my parents and in-laws, dipping into their pension pots,” he admitted.
“I took a leap and didn’t know where it would lead to – but 15 years later we’re now opening our thirteenth place so I think it’s paid off!”
And Martin, who is married to Suzanne and is dad to Josef and Pippa, prides himself on keeping his Saddleworth roots bedded into his business.
He explained: “We employ lots of people from Saddleworth, particularly students at Leeds university. Some have gone on to be very successful with us and have great careers.
“I’m settled in Leeds but I still class Saddleworth as home. My parents live in Dobcross and I love reading the Saddleworth Independent every month.”
Find out more about Banyan Bar and Kitchen online http://arcinspirations.com/ and on Twitter @BanyanMCR
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