REVEALED: Artisan Café Bar & cinema room plus The Alchemist doubles in size

It’s certainly been an eventful start to 2015 for Living Ventures, with news that they are set to occupy the available space at 81 King Street (formally Room/Reform) and transform it into Grand Pacific. Sister to popular restaurant Australasia, Grand Pacific will be known for cocktails, sushi, small plates and DJ, operating from brunch through to late night.

“I have admired this space for many years and have fond memories of it as Reform in the 90s.” Said Tim Bacon, CEO, Living Ventures.

“It’s history is fascinating and having been a hospitality establishment for nearly 145 years, we aim to successfully continue the tradition. To me this is a perfect layout for Grand Pacific. The existing venue has proved really popular and exceeded our expectations so I have been waiting for an appropriate site to expand this brand. It will be a sensitive and complimentary upgrade, as I’m keen not to lose any of the character which oozes through this space.”

Work has now commenced on the Artisan Café Bar situated on the ground floor of the existing restaurant and bar in Spinningfields. Set to open towards the end of March, with seating both inside and out, the area will be a perfect addition to a venue that has become a firm favourite on the dining scene in Manchester. Open from breakfast until late, guests can linger over a latte with friends, savour small plates or share drinks with friends.

Yet another exciting chapter is planned for Artisan in the Autumn, when they will open their much anticipated cinema room. The first of its kind in Manchester, the room will be perfect for private screenings and product launches with a state of the art screen and sound system. Artisan has also announced that they have agreed a venue collaboration with Curzon Cinemas so the cinema room will be showing current releases and popular classics. The emphasis will be on comfort and style in this 25-30 capacity room where guests will be able to relax and lose themselves in luxurious surroundings. An adjoining ante room with private bar will add another convenient dimension.

There is quite simply something to suit all tastes at Artisan, the perfect place to meet, whether for a delicious cocktail or coffee, lunch meeting or dinner and a movie! Further detail about the cinema will be available later in the year.

In other news, The Alchemist Spinningfields is to be given a huge extension doubling the restaurant capacity both inside and out. The Alchemist will close from the 16th March for 6 weeks and be open in time for light nights and alfresco bites. Since opening in November 2011 The Alchemist has been a popular retreat for people living and working in Manchester and is consistently busy, so this extension into space previously occupied by All Saints will be a welcome addition.