San Marco adds tapas to Preston’s menu

LANCASHIRE Italian restaurant group San Marco has opened a fifth venue with the launch of Stratos, a tapas bar in Preston.

Stratos, which opened late last year, is on the site of the former French Bistro in Avenham Road in the city.

It is family-owned San Marco’s fifh establishment in the area. Its other venues are The Italian Orchard, Trattorria San Marco, Angelo’s and Pinocchio’s.

The company received funding for its latest venture from Barclays Corporate. Carlo Bragagnini of San Marco said: “We have identified this period as a perfect opportunity to prepare the San Marco group for better times ahead.
 
“We certainly look forward to the challenges ahead which are made all the more approachable when you have the full backing and support of your bank .

The new facility was arranged by Philip Owen, relationship director at Barclays Corporate in Lancashire. He added: “San Marco is a new client for Barclays and despite a tough economic environment the Group continues to outperform their peers.

“Our industry knowledge and ability to structure a bespoke banking package ensured we were able to support the business on this deal and support its future development.”