Cambridge’s Grafton set for new restaurant concept as Amelie opens its doors this summer

Father and son to open new restaurant in the Grafton’s revamped food and dining quarter

An independent family-owned authentic restaurant concept is to join the line-up of shops and restaurants at Cambridge’s Grafton Centre.

Amelie will open its first restaurant later this summer in Food Social, the new food and dining quarter, located in Great Court.

The quarter’s imaginative vision for the area has rejuvenated to reconfigure the former BHS store.

John O’Shea, centre manager at the Grafton, said: “Amélie will bring a unique food concept to The Grafton and to Cambridge. Their restaurant will offer something very different and we are delighted to be working with the brand on the launch of its first restaurant.

“We know our customers will enjoy the authentic dishes and relaxed atmosphere that Amélie will bring to the centre. We are looking forward to the restaurant opening later this summer and to announcing further brands for Food Social”.

Amélie is owned and run by father and son Regis and Alex Crepy who bring a wealth of experience to a fast-casual dining venture and which is named after their daughter and sister

Amélie.

For over 35 years, Regis has been one of East Anglia’s leading chefs and restaurateurs

owning three successful restaurants in Suffolk including the renowned Great House in Lavenham and Alex has invaluable experience gained working with top London hospitality brands.

Mr Crepy said: “We are really looking forward to launching our new restaurant

brand at The Grafton and introducing Flammekueche to Cambridge. Amélie has long been an ambition of ours and The Grafton is the ideal place to open our authentic food concept. “Located within Food Social, its laid-back, open plan, fun environment will perfectly complement the restaurant and will create a place in which customers enjoy spending time”.

The independent restaurant will be the first in the UK dedicated to serving Flammekueche. The dish dates back to the 14th century and originates from the Alsace region in France. The rectangular dish is made with dough, so thin it cooks in a matter of minutes. Spread with seasoned créme fraiche and topped with a mouth-watering combination of high quality sweet and savoury ingredients such as pulled pork and chilli, BBQ chicken, parma ham and swiss cheese, salmon and avocado, poached pear and red berries.

The restaurant will also feature a bright yellow converted Citroen H van, where its bar will be located. The brand has also partnered with the Nethergate Brewery in Suffolk to blend its own exclusive golden ale. Amélie Golden is brewed using fragrant citrus hops, giving a floral aroma with a touch of spice and a mellow bitterness.

The Grafton is nearing the completion of a major £28.5 million refurbishment by Legal & General and asset manager Wrenbridge. The centre has undergone substantial reconfiguration to create bright and open retail and leisure spaces, and to match retailer and operator requirements.

It will be the only destination in Cambridge to offer shopping, dining and leisure all under one roof.