Corrie actress Jennie McAlpine on cue with new restaurant

ACTRESS Jennie McAlpine is preparing to open the doors to Annies – the newest addition to Manchester’s  restaurant scene.

The long-serving Coronation Street actress, together with her boyfriend Chris Farr and father Tom, have invested £500,000 in the new venue on St Anne’s Square.

Tonight she will welcome colleagues from the soap opera along with local celebrities and sports stars to a VIP event, ahead of a public launch on Friday night.

The business will be run by Mr Farr, an established restaurateur, and is chaired by Ms McAlpine’s father, Tom, a psychologist.

She said: We’re really excited to finally be opening Annies to the public. Chris and I have been working on this project for over a year now, from finding the right space to working on the refurbishment and planning the menus and overall look and feel of the restaurant.”

Located within the Royal Exchange building, the unit on Old Bank Street has been empty for several years.

Annies includes a 110-cover basement restaurant, a bar, private dining room and on the ground floor is open for lunches and afternoon teas.

Tom McAlpine, chairman of Annies, told TheBusinessDesk.com: “We are very excited about the launch of the new business, which we want to be a welcoming, relaxing, friendly and cosy.

“The intention is to put down roots, and be a location that people want to return to as a result of our reputation for high quality food.”

Anthony Lyons and Felicity Harris-Knott from Manchester law firm Kuits advised Annies on its licence.