Last Thursday I attended another restaurant launch in Leeds – this time it was the Manahatta bar on Merrion Street.
Inspired by the ‘industrial glamour’ of New York, it was indeed pretty upmarket, although definitely not pretentious.
Manahatta bar is part of Arc Inspirations which includes the Pit, Arc, the Box and Trios. All of which can be found nearby in Leeds, Harrogate or York.
The bar is pretty big as it is both upstairs and downstairs, but is filled with intimate tables and cosy circular booths.
The Managing Director, Martin Wolstencroft, gave a talk in ‘The Library’ a cosy room filled with high tables and stools, accompanied with, you guessed it, a book-case filled with New York style collectables, including photos of Marilyn Monroe.
Martin said he wanted to create a space that was welcome to “all like-minded people, who want to have a good time and enjoy great food”. It seems he has created what he set out to achieve and having visited many of his other bars during my student years, I think this has to be the best yet.
I was lucky enough to sample three cocktails including a classic Kir Royale, a Cucumber Cooler (my favourite – so refreshing) and a Geisha Girl – which although pretty in pink was a bit strong for my taste (I blame the Sake).
We were also invited to sample several dishes and the ones I tasted were all delicious. The Yakitori beef skewers were divine, so juicy and tasty and I also enjoyed the tempura beans – they looked like chips only surely healthier?! (Hopefully…probably not but we can pretend).
It was lovely to be able to sample the new menu and taste the cocktails – as well as getting a sneak preview into the venue before the official launch. I’m definitely going to be going back there with Howard, as soon as we have a free Friday night!
Another great quirk to this place (and whoever’s idea it was – very well done) was to add a #ManahattaSelfie slogan across the mirrors in the girl’s toilets, because lets face it, we all love a good toilet selfie after we’ve had a few cocktails too many.
Danielle and I had to try it out, it would have been rude not to…
We then went onto another blogger event – Thursday night’s seem to be very popular for events (so I keep hearing) and I was very impressed with the final twist of the night – a free lift in a New York taxi!
Thank you to the staff at Manahatta Leeds – I had a fab night! Check out their menu at arcinspirations.com/manahatta/menu/food and follow them on Twitter @ManahattaLeeds
xx
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Living Colourfully 