Sneak peek inside glamorous new Deansgate bar serving espresso martinis on tap to the beat of New York

Mancunians will be able to get espresso martinis and pornstar martinis on tap when glamorous new bar Manahatta opens on Deansgate.

Taking its name from the original name for Manhattan, the huge venue covers two floors. There’s original tiling and exposed brickwork, but also gleaming gold lights, rich leather banquettes and curved fittings with a hint of art deco. Usefully, there are also ample plug sockets dotted around.

Some of the murals and names pay homage to the building’s original use – a garage selling early 20th century Argyll Motors.

Manahatta Deansgate is the fourth bar from fast-growing operator Arc Inspirations, and the first to open across the Pennines following their three popular sites in Leeds.

The cocktail list comes from a collaboration with the multi-award-winning team from The American Bar at the Savoy Hotel in London, and it graduates from brunch beverages – such as tropical morning punch Sunny Side Up with gin, Aperol, Cointreau, lemon, sugar – to a late evening tipple such as La Farmica laced with spirits du jour, tequila and mezcal.

The food menu spans all day, from brunch through to dinner (serving until 9.30pm), as well as offering snacks and sharers from spicy chipolatas (from Manchester’s own Grandad’s Sausages) to salt beef hash cakes and halloumi fries.

Brunch dishes include bubble waffle with fried chicken, bacon and maple syrup, or a healthy powerbowl with quinoa, spinach, avocado, sweet potato hash browns, poached eggs, tomato salsa and dukkah. Bottomless brunch is served until 3pm at weekends.

The all-day menu includes beef burgers made with chuck and fore rib cuts sourced from locally reared beef from Lishman’s of Ilkley, the multi-award-winning butcher, and hot dogs using local Grandad’s Sausages. There are also steak melt wraps and mac and cheese with bacon, or healthy powerbowls topped with chia and pumpkin seeds for a lighter option.

Desserts include cherry and bourbon brownies, and photogenic bubble waffles with Maltesers, chocolate ice cream, white chocolate sauce, Smarties, popping candy and milk chocolate sauce.

But it’s not just about the food and drink. After dinner, guests can dance until the small hours with a host of DJs, musicians, live music and, guest acts from around the globe and live entertainment.

“Manahatta is way more than just a place to eat and drink,” said Martin Wolstencroft, CEO of Arc Inspirations.

“Our venues have become part of the fabric of Leeds’ day and night drinking culture thanks to our vibrant atmosphere, our attention to detail and our ability to throw one hell of a party.

“From our bottomless brunches and staff dancing on the bar to great DJs and amazing cocktails – we create memorable occasions for all to enjoy and we can’t wait to bring that experience to Manchester.”

Manahatta opens on 6th October at 188-192 Deansgate. It’s open 11am-1am Mon-Weds, 11am-2am Thurs, 10am-3am Fri and Sat, and 10am-1am Sun.

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