First Orange Balloon restaurant opens

The first restaurant in a new chain has opened in Tonbridge, Kent, set up by TV chef Brian Turner and Jebcorp Trading.

Rotherham group Barnes Design created the identity for Orange Balloon, and London group Chameleon designed the interiors. A second restaurant is planned for Twickenham.

“I want the restaurant to operate as a brasserie at lunch time and to be slightly more upmarket in the evening, so people returning from the City won’t feel out of place,” says Jebcorp Trading managing director Jerry Brand.

Brand is set to appoint an architect tomorrow to carry out the next stage of the chain’s development. The two shortlisted practices are Jestico & Whiles and Buckley Gray, both in London.

Brand aims to open 12 restaurants by the end of next year.