Authentic Italian cuisine crafted with passion and tradition since 1985.
The story of The Italian Orchard begins with family, vision, and a leap of faith. Ivan and Louise Bragagnini were looking for a bigger home. With two young sons and a third on the way, they needed space for their growing family. What they found instead was a closed-down restaurant in the heart of Preston – and the opportunity to bring another dream to life.
At the time, Ivan and Louise were in the early days of building their hospitality business. But they saw something special in the site: the chance to create a second Italian restaurant, rooted in authenticity, passion and family values. They took that chance – and The Italian Orchard became not just their restaurant, but their home.
From the very beginning, family has been at the heart of The Italian Orchard. The grounds have been filled with laughter, celebrations, and cherished memories – moments that shaped not only a business, but a way of life.
For the Bragagnini children, The Italian Orchard wasn’t just where their parents worked – it was where they grew up.
Stefano Bragagnini recalls: “My earliest memories as a toddler are family christenings and parties with big buffets. We’d have long tablecloths, and we’d play under the tables.”
Giulio Bragagnini adds: “My earliest memory in life was moving to The Italian Orchard. I was three, and I remember arriving on site to our new home.”
Those memories – of long tables, shared meals, and time spent together – still define the ethos of The Italian Orchard today.
The Bragagnini family’s philosophy is simple: food brings people together. Ivan and Louise are proud parents to four sons, all of whom now work within the San Marco Group across its restaurants, alongside their uncle. Hospitality isn’t just a career for the family – it’s part of who they are.
With over 50 years of experience in the industry, Ivan and Louise remain key figures in the business. Ivan can still be found in the kitchen most days, doing what he loves most: creating food for his guests.
Ivan curates menus unlike any other – driven by curiosity, seasonality, and an uncompromising commitment to quality. He sources only the very best ingredients, importing exceptional produce directly from Italy and pairing it with outstanding local suppliers. New dishes are constantly introduced, ensuring every visit offers something fresh and exciting.
Wine plays an equally important role at The Italian Orchard. After more than 40 years spent researching, tasting, and sourcing wines for their restaurants, the family decided it was time to share those discoveries more widely. In 2021, Orchard Wines, their boutique wine shop located on the grounds, was born.
Every wine is purchased directly from Italian producers – many of whom have become friends over the years. The focus is on smaller vineyards, limited production, and character-driven wines, with the majority exclusive to the Bragagnini family in the UK.
Many of The Italian Orchard’s long-standing team members have come from Italy and proudly describe the Bragagnini family as their second family. Staff have watched the children – and now their children – grow up on the grounds of the orchard.
For the Bragagnini family, their restaurants are not simply places to eat. They are places to gather, celebrate, reconnect, and create memories around the table. They value their loyal guests, welcome new faces with open arms, and continue to do what they’ve always done best – serve beautiful food, pour exceptional wine, and make everyone feel at home.
A little glimpse of our food, drinks, and warm Italian atmosphere.
