Chef Ray Pisani set up Le Pisani in Axminster in 2014 and by 2017 had ambitions with nephew Darren for a second restaurant.
Already involved with the iconic Grove development in Seaton, Axminster Property facilitated the coming together of the Le Pisani team with the investors/landlord and worked to bring to life a stylish restaurant with an al fresco outdoor area that now thrives.
The client
Le Pisani was established in 2014 by Chef Ray Pisani. Ray originates from the island of Malta and wanted to bring its unique cuisine to Devon. The Seaton restaurant offers fresh food with a Mediterranean flair in contemporary and comfortable surroundings. The traditional recipes are created with local ingredients; created (and in their own words) ‘to take your taste buds through a sun kissed Mediterranean journey’.
The brief
Le Pisani, Axminster has built a reputation not only for delicious, healthy food but also friendly and warm hospitality and this was something Ray wished to replicate in a second restaurant. In 2017, he was joined in Devon by nephew Darren and his wife Rosabelle, and the hunt was on for a suitable building and location so that their vision of a true family business, all working together as one team, could be realised.
As with the Axminster restaurant, they were looking for quality, stylish premises with all the space a busy restaurant and kitchen requires. The possibility for some ‘al fresco’ dining was also a consideration, as was the ability to sell takeaway Italian gelato. The location was not particularly defined, but a popular destination and passing footfall to attract walk-ins were key factors.
The solution
Axminster Property was already involved with the development of the iconic Grove site in Seaton, which included a prestigious restaurant building, and was in a unique position to facilitate the coming together of Le Pisani and the investors/landlord. Not only did the premises offer everything Ray and his family were looking for but Axminster Property was also able to negotiate with the landlord to provide the infrastructure required to get the restaurant up and running. In particular, an industrial extractor fan was required to ensure that emissions from the kitchen complied with all environmental health legislation. The landlord agreed to fund this as part of the build, enabling the Le Pisani team to give their attention to the interior layout and fit-out.
At every stage of the project, Axminster Property advised and assisted. It’s ‘can do’ attitude was the key to success, ensuring the delivery of a superior quality restaurant in an iconic building that is modern, light and airy, and perfect for Mediterranean dining. The restaurant, with the ongoing support of Axminster Property, continues to thrive and grow; the addition of a canopy and heaters enables all-year round outside dining and the building is now also home to Seaton Waffles served, naturally, with some delicious gelato.
The verdict
To quote Darren: “From the very first meeting with Ian and his team we were met with nothing but professionalism, and the process from then on was always smooth. We took on a property built to the highest standards and Axminster Property was always open to any ideas we had for improvements, assisting financially in the fairest of ways too. The communication has always been great and there is always someone available to listen when we need them. We have no regrets whatsoever in our dealings with Axminster Property and would recommend them.”
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