New arrivals to check out this winter and in the new year.
Mana
Where? 42 Blossom Street, M4 6BF
The lowdown: Fine dining but of a relaxed more informal kind with ex-Noma chef Simon Martin at the helm. The restaurant serves ‘a menu of fourteen to twenty plates in quick succession to showcase the best of British produce.’ The menu will also be ever-changing and will showcase the team’s inventiveness. Prices: £95 with drinks pairing ranging from £35 for juice to £85 for vintage wines.
Contact: manarestaurant.co.uk
Manahatta
Where? 188 Deansgate, M3 3NE
The lowdown: Over two floors on the corner of Deansgate and Peter Street, Manahatta exudes the kind of night time glamour we want from our city. Cocktails, music as well as all-day dining are sure to make this new addition very popular with the lunch through to party crowd. Manahatta is the original name for Manhattan and takes its inspiration from the iconic NYC borough’ s world-famous downtown vibe and after-hours parties, a scene perfectly in-tune with Manchester’s unique aesthetic of understated, industrial elegance.
Contact: arcinspirations.com/manahatta-deansgate.
Fika
Where? 45 Lever Street, M1 1DN
The lowdown: Could Fika be the new hygge? In Sweden it means something like ‘coffee and cake break’ and the concept has just arrived in Manchester. Opened by the team behind Northern Quarter bars Guilty by Association and Lost in Tokyo, as well as Pall Mall bar Vesper, Fika takes over the former Bakerie site. As well as coffee and cake there are snacks and ‘accessible fine dining’ with dishes such as pigeon with black pudding, blue cheese bon bon, tomato and rocket, and mackerel with pickled fennel on the menu.
Contact: fikabarandrestaurant.co.uk
School for Scandal
Where? 13 Jack Rosenthal Street, First Street, M15 4FN
The lowdown: With its tattoo artworks, DJ decks on a headteacher’s lectern and happy hour ‘detention’ this is a school you won’t mind attending. With burgers and pizzas on the menu this is casual dining but there are interesting vegan and vegetarian options as well as a list of tempting cocktails. Check out their Sunday sessions when you can enjoy a roast dinner and live music and maybe a Breakfast Club cocktail - or two.
Contact: schoolforscandal.com
The Ivy
Where? The Pavilion, Byrom Street, Spinningfields, M3 3HG
The lowdown: We’ve been waiting a long time for the Ivy to open but now it seems to be happening. Owners Caprice Holdings are still keeping tight-lipped about the restaurant which is currently being built at the Pavilion, a four storey space in Spinningfields but if it is anything like the famed celebrity haunt in London’s Covent Garden it should be a buzzing addition to the city. Part of the Ivy Collection chain of restaurants and cafes, expect relaxed all-day dining based around seasonal menus and maybe even some Manchester luvvie action.
Contact: theivymanchester.com
Sunset by Australasia
Where? 1 The Avenue, M3 3AP
The lowdown: A terrace bar is not just for summer as Sunset proves. This stylish hideout in Spinningfields is a year round hot spot, thanks to its canopied, heated terrace and luxurious Pacific-style surroundings. The décor oozes Miami-cool and laid-back Ibizan vibes while sushi and seafood, are mainstays of the Sunset menu. Check out ‘shabu shabu’ broth style dishes served in hot granite bowls, delicious Japanese ‘kakigori’ desserts made using ancient methods with fresh fruits and shaved ice, as well as exotic afternoon teas and bento boxes.
Contact: sunset.uk.com
Mamucium
Where? 6 Todd Street, M3 1WU
The lowdown: Ex-Lowry Hotel chef Andrew Green has named his 120-seater restaurant after the first Roman fort built in the city. It is based in the new Indigo boutique hotel opposite Victoria station and will be delivering English classics with a sophisticated twist. There’s a definite regional theme going on here with Lancashire onion soup, a take on the French classic, lamb hotpot and Manchester tart on the menu.
Contact: mamuciummcr.com
