First look inside Gordon Ramsay’s new Manchester restaurant Lucky Cat

Manchester’s dining scene gets a huge new addition as world-renowned chef Gordon Ramsay opens his eagerly anticipated establishment, Lucky Cat on King Street.

With its grand opening today, Lucky Cat Manchester becomes Ramsay’s first major venture in the city and the second Lucky Cat location worldwide, cementing Manchester’s status as a premier destination for exceptional cuisine, drinks, and entertainment.

Drawing inspiration from the vibrant ambience of Tokyo’s 1930s kissas and drinking dens, Lucky Cat promises an unparalleled ‘super premium dining experience that is sure to captivate food enthusiasts and gastronomes alike’. Although it’s a bit early to tell whether they’ve delivered their promise, there’s no doubt it’s a special atmosphere with a unique food offering that the grand space deserves.

Nestled within the breathtaking Art Deco structure that magnificently stands beside Manchester’s renowned Hotel Gotham, Lucky Cat Manchester takes over the building previously occupied by Jamie’s Italian before it closed in 2019. But make no mistake, this is an entirely different operation.

What hasn’t changed at 100 King Street, though, is the scale of the space. With its high ceilings, large arched windows, the grand old 1935 Midland Bank is a magnificent setting for any restaurant. Walking through the former Banking Hall is like stepping into The Ned London.

The space also boasts expansive private dining rooms and private bars, catering to intimate gatherings and special events. The toilets are situated in the former bank vaults downstairs in the basement and it doesn’t take long before you imagine you’re in a James Bond movie on a mission looking for a secret door.

Guests can anticipate an ultimate dining experience accompanied by world-class wines, expertly crafted cocktails, and live DJs, ensuring a sensory journey that transcends the ordinary.

Leading the culinary team at Lucky Cat is the legendary Gordon Ramsay himself – how hands on he will be is yet to be determined – working alongside Executive Head Chef Andre Camilo. Together, they have crafted each dish with focus on sharing plates.

Lucky Cat Manchester seamlessly combines new creations with the all best selections from the Mayfair menu, ensuring an unparalleled dining experience from London to Manchester. Only the Manchester site has tweaked the price in an effort to make it slightly more affordable for the northern customer.

The menu at Lucky Cat takes you on an Izakaya-inspired adventure – taking inspiration from informal Japanese bars – with the recommendation of three or four dishes each. Introducing culinary icons such as the Korean Spiced Black Cod (£39), the Bonito Fried Duck Leg Bao (£29), the sumptuous Rare Breed Sirloin (£43) with weeping tiger sauce, and Spiced Lamb Cutlets (£28).

Their signature favourite Jocky Fried Chicken “JFC” (£14) is a fragrant Korean-style fried chicken dish named after the Hell’s Kitchen finalist, now Group Executive Development Chef, Jocky Petrie, and is one of the only items on the menu that hasn’t been changed since inception. 

The other fan favourite synonymous with their London menu is the Egg Fried Rice (£9.50). An egg that’s been gently cooking sous vide’, unleashes a cacophony of flavour as it’s mixed into the rice. The marriage of flavours between the luscious egg and the fragrant grains of rice is nothing short of extraordinary. Each bite is a symphony of textures, blending the creaminess of the egg with the satisfying bite of the rice. It’s a culinary harmony that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.

By the way, the chopstick holders are weighted cute little golden cats – and come with an adoption fee of £15 if you were to swipe one.

Carnivores can tuck into the Rare Breed Sirloin (£43) with weeping tiger sauce and lime, or the Spiced Lamb Cutlets (£28) with chilli sauce and tofu cream. But will the dishes live up to the top heavy price tag?

For seafood aficionados, the depths of the ocean come alive with tantalising sushi and raw dishes, ranging from exquisite Tuna Tartare (£19) and mouth-watering California Rolls (£21.50) to half or whole Roasted Lobster (£43/86) with yuzu beurre blanc, furikake.

Sweet teeth will be satisfied by the colourful dessert menu including Tonka and Vanilla Chawan (£10) with strawberries and basil sorbet.

The innovation extends beyond the kitchen to the bar, where Lucky Cat presents an imaginative cocktail list that pushes boundaries and reflects the restaurant’s unwavering commitment to excellence. The attention to detail is a sight to behold. 

Try their classic Old Fashioned which is made with a sushi rice and whisky blend – Rabbit Hole, Suntory Japanese Whisky, Maker’s Mark and Balmore – stirred with bitters, poured over ice and garnished with orange peel. It’s sweet without being too sweet, cloudy and silky – very drinkable.

Book a table at Lucky Cat Manchester

Lucky Cat Manchester by Gordon Ramsay officially opens to the public today (Thursday, 1 June 2023). 

Secure your place by visiting the restaurant’s website or by calling 0161 424 9150 for restaurant and group reservations, or 0207 5921373 for private dining and event inquiries.

100 King St, Manchester M2 4WU