The big hitting French restaurant by Simon Rogan, within The Midland Hotel, is to undergo a revamp in an effort to secure a Michelin star, should the famous white tyre man again be stubborn and inconsistent this September.
The upgrades will include an expansion of the dining room to add 15 covers to the space, which will clearly add more revenue to the coffers. Also there will be a lounge type area, where diners can enjoy a pre and post meal drink, something which for us The French has lacked and badly needed, even since the old days, where your pre dinner drink was enjoyed in the communal areas of the hotel.
A bit of a no-no for Mr Michelin and his stern standards, you'd think? Anyway, we look forward to the improvements being completed, following their kick off and temporary closure of the restaurant in August this year.
Join All Star Lanes to celebrate the final season of Mad Men with the April special – ‘The MADhattan’ burger: a classic 6oz burger topped with wild mushrooms sautéed in Canadian Club whisky (yep, Don’s tipple of choice), grilled Roquefort and black truffle mayo
This city's new 'super hotel'; Hotel Gotham is set over seven floors, each with wonderful views across Manchester. The reception and restaurant will be on the 6th floor, with a striking club bar on the 7th
Internal restoration includes the reincarnation of the main staircase, the brass handrail, its balustrades, mouldings and terrazzo flooring. The Art Deco influence can be seen in the striking bespoke geometric carpets running throughout the corridors & bedrooms. Beautifully rich wall finishes of metal, wood, leather and ceramic are used extensively and provide a richness and decadence that evoke emotions and moods of the past.
Lead-designer, Oliver Redfern of Squid-Inc commented: “We wanted to pay tribute to a major building designed by ‘one of the greatest British architects’, Edwin Lutyens whilst injecting a distinct fresh personality. I’m sure the guests will have as much fun at Hotel Gotham as we have had in creating it”.
In addition to providing opulent bedroom spaces, starting a £150 per night, Hotel Gotham will also present high end eating and drinking options. The Honey Restaurant will serve a modern twist on brasserie classics. Menus and cocktails will reflect the art deco heritage, and feature local suppliers and tastes such as Beetroot Gravadlax, Lamb Hotpot, Coq au Vin, Manchester Tart, Warm Rhubarb and Pistachio Bakewell, Gotham Kirsch cake, Lancashire cheese and Cheshire ham. The dining room features half-moon windows, providing fascinating views across Manchester and continues the reflection on the building's past with Bowler hat displays, green glass wall lamps and 1900’s Banker style chairs.
Club Brass, a nod to the money that used to be held in the building, is an exclusive rooftop retreat for VIPs. Reached via an illuminated steel & brass staircase inspired by bank vaults of old and through safe doors, the Club sits within the original light well space still with its original glazed tiles and feature antique-leather satchel pendant lights. The menu will offer all day dining and include “Lady Connie Crumpsall’s favourite”, Royal Oscietra Caviar, Oyster Po Boy and a Brass seafood platter. Cocktails, with liqueurs and spirits created exclusively by Sipsmith Independent Spirits.
Jeff Ward, General Manager and Managing Director: “After two years of anticipation for Hotel Gotham, we are excited to be open for Spring 2015. New beginnings for this fabulous building. The service, special attention and twinkle in the eye will make a stay at Hotel Gotham a memorable experience”
Café Rouge is celebrating the launch of their beautifully redesigned Trafford Centre bistro. The restaurant has undergone a splendid refurbishment, including new interior features and is about to reveal a completely overhauled, fabulous new menu.
Café Rouge’s signature brand of relaxed, authentic French dining coupled with down to earth, friendly service make Trafford’s local bistro the perfect place for impromptu lunches, special occasion dinners and everything in between. An al fresco style veranda even provides a lovely, spacious setting for catching up over a glass of fizz or just a spot of people watching.
The Trafford Centre store’s General Manager, Alper Zan said, “This is an exciting moment for us here at Café Rouge at the Trafford Centre and we’re excited to be bringing a chic new look and feel to the restaurant, as well as a really exciting, completely new menu. Café Rouge is over 25 years in the business and this feels like a great way to celebrate that!”.
Upscale junk food maestros Solita are opening another venture, this time selling pizza! The premises is so far not confirmed, but we are assured that it won't be far from the current Northern Quarter flagship site! _ Apr 2015
Velvet central has closed, following liquidation. Will that unit ever be able to hold onto a resident for more than a year or so? Being in such a prime location, you’d hope so! _ Apr 2015
Quality purveyor of steaks Gaucho have expanded their operations to include a plush bar. You don’t have to go far though, as it's on the current premises. _ Apr 2015
French Upscale Brasserie, 63 degrees have agreed to move to the former Market Restaurant site in the heart of the Northern Quarter. We very much look forward to this new venture. _ Apr 2015
2014 Pop up Pizza Parlour Rudys is set to become a permanent fixture in Little Italy – Ancotes. With the opening of a Neapolitan pizza cafe in the Fairbairn building, due in Summer 2015. Cant wait that long for your woodfired pizza fix? No need to worry as Kate and Jim will still be firing up Rudy’s street side this spring. _ Apr 2015
Grenache of Salford have featured as mid-year frontrunners in the annual Good Food Guide Reader's Restaurant of the Year listing. The list features several North West entries. _ Apr 2015
Quality Italian chain Zzizi are on the cusp of expanding the options for Italian dining in the area, by launching on King Street. This will add to the recent opening of Pizza Express, as well as the current Italian based outlets in the area which is more frequently being referred to as 'The Italian Quarter'. _ Apr 2015
Dogs & Dough The upscale junk food proprietor, hidden just off Cross Street, is set to expand by knocking through its basement walls into the unit next door, underneath Café Nero. _ Apr 2015
Northern Quarter foodie favourite; Market Restaurant, has closed its doors after several years of trading. It's expected that a new tenant will take up the lease before very long indeed. _ Apr 2015
6 budding restaurateurs will be given the chance to showcase their talents and concepts at a venue in Spinningfields, staring on May 21st. 'The Kitchens'; hosted by Allied London, will judge contestants over a year long period, based on turnover, success of their brand and overall concept, with the winning trader being given the opportunity to continue their venture. _ Apr 2015
2014 Pop up Pizza Parlour Rudys is set to become a permanent fixture in Little Italy – Ancotes. With the opening of a Neapolitan pizza cafe in the Fairbairn building, due in Summer 2015. Cant wait that long for your woodfired pizza fix? No need to worry as Kate and Jim will still be firing up Rudy’s street side this spring. _ Apr 2015
Completing the line up in the Fairbairn building is Goose Fat & Wild Garlic owned by Bryan Regan. At present plans for this new opening are thin on the ground. _ Apr 2015
The company behind Northern Quarter favourites Hula, Walrus and Rosylee to name but a few; MAD (Mark Anthony Developments) has applied for planning permission for a restaurant and bar in Basil Chambers (5 Nicholas Croft). MAD have announced the new venue name is TBC, and will be a unique concept in Manchester. The restaurant will open in late Spring, with the bar following in Summer. MAD has also secured the Habib Bank A G Zurich site in Stevenson Sq next to Rosylee. Details on this venture are yet to be released for this location. _ Apr 2015
After the shock closure of Eden earlier this year, village regulars will be glad to know that the iconic location has reopened after an extensive refit as Bar/Restaurant Delicatezze. _ Apr 2015
