INNSiDE Manchester and Gino D’Acampo to Open First Street Bar & Kitchen

INNSiDE Manchester and Gino D’Acampo have collaborated to bring a new all-day-dining experience to Manchester – First Street Bar & Kitchen.

The partnership will see Gino D’Acampo’s team open a series of Italian restaurants with the global hotel giant, starting with Manchester.

 Opening on Monday 17th May, in line with the government roadmap, First Street Bar & Kitchen will see Gino and his team work closely with that of INNSiDE Manchester to deliver a food and drink experience for both hotel guests and locals alike. 

It will be Gino’s third offering in the city joining his popular restaurants at The Corn Exchange and Manchester Arndale.   

The opening sees a £250k investment from Gino D’Acampo Hotels & Leisure in new kitchen facilities, an extended terrace that will wrap two sides of the impressive building and provide seating for a further 64 guests, and operations.

The partnership sees 20 jobs protected and a further 30 created.      

The spacious, open plan restaurant and lounge has a Mediterranean feel, with comfortable seating for 200 guests.

Expansive floor to ceiling glass windows flood the space with natural light, with velvet furnishings in rich jewel tones providing a bold injection of colour against the cool, tiled floor. 

Trailing plants suspended from the ceiling provide further interest with a photographic feature wall depicting world first events together with leading Manchester destinations, adding an additional focal point.

Taking centre-stage at the end of the restaurant is the Spritz Bar – a large, copper-effect island bar with seating for 40 people. 

Serving a generous number of spritzers from a classic Aperol Spritz to the restaurant’s signature Pino Spritz – a blend of Prosecco Primo, Fabbri Fiori Di Sambuco and Fever-Tree Soda, garnished with mint leaves and lime, in addition to a range of classic and contemporary drinks, it’s the perfect space for a post-work drink, pre-theatre nibble or catch up with friends. 

A second, central bar will see guests invited to enjoy a mix of cocktails and premium wines, beers and spirits. 

Local DJs will provide the background soundtrack.

Outside, a generous terrace provides further seating for 120.

Capturing the sun from morning through to night, it’s one of Manchester’s best kept secrets, providing the opportunity to soak up the atmosphere of the thriving First Street neighbourhood, with HOME, Manchester’s centre for contemporary theatre, film, art, music and more, just a stone’s throw away. 

Pull up a seat in the afternoon and guests can enjoy early evening nibbles served with the compliments of the restaurant.

The all-day-dining menu features an extensive range of internationally inspired dishes selected by Gino’s team of development chefs.

Signature dishes include whole boneless sea bass with Tikka spices, mint yoghurt & lemon (£19.95); meatballs in a spicy tomato sauce with chilli and basil and served with toasted ciabatta (£13.95); and cod a la plancha with chorizo, new potatoes, cherry tomatoes and rosemary (£20.50). 

For those looking for a lighter bite, a selection of sharing plates and salads are also available. 

A further small plate menu sees guests invited to share in up to 14 dishes, perfect enjoyed with a glass of something sparkling or a cold beer. 

Featured dishes include Parma ham bruschetta with spicy ‘nduja, honey and pistachio; crispy rice croquettes stuffed with creamy taleggio cheese and peas; fried chilli squid with Thai herbs and noodle salad; and truffle cheesy fries (V); with three plates for £10, six plates for £18 or nine plates for £27.50.

Those attending the hotel for a celebratory or business function will also have the opportunity to enjoy a number of banquet and delegate menus created by Gino’s team. Prices range from £30pp to £50pp for a banquet menu and from £25pp for day delegates.

“This is a very exciting development for the hotel as we look ahead to the full reopening of the hotel and restaurant on 17th May,” said Garry Fortune, Meliá Hotels International. 

“Whilst the last 12 months have had a significant impact on the hospitality industry, we’ve had the luxury of time to develop our offering and focus on exciting brand partnerships. 

“We’re thrilled to work with Gino D’Acampo and his team to bring a brand-new destination to Manchester, adding a new dimension to his existing portfolio of restaurants in the city.”

After many years of talking to Meliá about a partnership, Gino D’Acampo says he is “super excited” to be working with Garry and the team. 

“I want First Street Bar & Kitchen to not only provide incredible food to hotel guests but to be a destination for food lovers to hang out from morning until night in cool surroundings,” said Gino.

“Manchester’s an incredible city and to have the opportunity to open a third restaurant here and in partnership with INNSiDE Manchester, is a real honour. 

“It will have a totally different feel to that of my other restaurants, in-keeping with the hotel’s beautiful design, with my team working in partnership with Meliá to deliver the highest standard of food service for guests, whether they are dining in my restaurant, attending a conference or celebrating a special occasion.”

First Street Bar & Kitchen will open on Monday 17th May.