When the decor is as much as part of the experience as the food and drink.
I love eating great food, but it's undoubtedly so much more indulgent when sat eating it in a really beautiful setting. Eating great food in a terrible venue...really does just put a slightly bad taste in your mouth. The importance of the interior decor of a restaurant or bar should never go overlooked, it's your business card and it's what gets people first through the door; first impressions count! In this age when Instagramable spots dominate you need to give it some serious consideration. You want the decor to elevate and compliment the food, to submerge your diners in a whole sensory experience.
I recommend these 12 restaurants in Manchester that not only have great food, but have also nailed their interior decor.
1
THE REFUGE
Once the home of 'The Refuge Assurance Company ltd' a life insurance and pensions company in 1895, the 10,000 sq ft venue is now set inside the stunningly refurbished Palace Hotel. At its heart is a glass atrium filled with natural sunlight; the winter garden, an airy elegant space for afternoon teas. In the Restaurant a large wall mural gives a nod to Manchesters industrial past, and complimenting industrial bar and crittall wall dividers carve up the space. Modern design features such as 1920s inspired light shades and stylised chairs have been designed to compliment the original features of the building. Serving eclectic small plates to hearty Sunday roasts. You also must try 'The Glamour of Manchester' cocktail.
Interiors by Volta
2
ALBERT'S SCHLOSS
Located in the historic Albert Hall which has been sympathetically converted, this reimagined Bavarian bier halle takes influence for its interior design, food, and drink from right across the Alpine region. With all the refined comforts of a German manor house from roaring fires to bespoke wood furniture, you'll be surprised to know that the majority of materials used to build and decorate the space are cleverly reclaimed. This palatial venue has been divided up into a number of intimate sections to break up the large room. There’s even a gentleman’s snug at the back with a faux-wood fire that utilises the building’s original dark wood panelling, and cosy booths run across the rear of the room underneath the newly revealed stained glass windows.
Interior Design by Millson Associates
3
MENAGERIE
As you arrive you are met with a huge ornamental bird cage, a flock of white paper cranes suspended from the ceiling and the gold leaf bar holds a sculpture resembling the Greek god Hermes. The walls are covered in ornate decor and neon light installations, and I particularly love the patterned backing of the upholstery. The restaurant features a catwalk down the centre of the room for performers to entertain diners and to host theatre performances and fashion shows. Everything is fantastically over the top and tongue in cheek, however it still manages to keep the feel of glamour. The beauty of Menagerie is it doesn't take itself seriously.
Interiors by Agency Noir
4
DISHOOM
The seventh Dishoom continues to evoke the atmosphere of Bombay’s Irani cafes, but with a twist based on its location in a former Freemason's Lodge. Housed ‘in part of Beaux-Arts-style Manchester Hall, a Grade II listed masonic lodge building designed in 1929’, they were able to retain ‘many of its beautiful existing finishes, from the majority of the parquet and marble floor and a listed door with a re-glazed stained glass transom window.’
The hay-day of these Irani cafes was in the 1960's, originally run by Zoroastrian immigrants to the city, had a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere which had a positive effect on the city, with their faded elegance that welcomed all.
To transport the diners to old Bombay the interior designers traveled to Mumbai to soak up the atmosphere, and source original period pieces from bazaars, antique dealers and market places. A standout piece in the Manchester restaurant is an original teak ‘in/out board’ from a Bombay hospital, which takes pride of place in the lobby. In addition to the freemasonry link, the project was also inspired by the historical cafe Britannia & Co, located in the city’s Ballard Estate area from the aged avocado green walls to the artwork. Artist Graham Kershaw was commissioned to create false relics too; nine portraits of notable Bombay freemasons, which are hung around the restaurant’s main dining hall.
Interiors by Macauley Sinclair | Photography is by John Carey & a mixture of unknown sources
5
FIREFLY
A transformative venue that switches from chilled LA vibes by day, to cosmopolitan vibes by night. The lighting gives the place a touch of magic and you'll feel like your dining in a secret outdoor retreat. Firefly is both lively and swanky – the perfect recipe for a date night. LA-inspired tapas.
Interior design by unknown
6
THE LOWRY LOUNGE & BAR, & RIVER RESTAURANT
Refurbished after 19 years, new life has been given to this restaurant. The colour palette of burnt oranges and reds, calming greens and blues create a cocktail of colour in this fun space with lots of textures, patterns and details giving it a fresh Miami style vibe. Cleaver details such as the geometric patterns on the floor nod to the very recognisable Trinity Bridge which can be seen from the restaurant dining room.
Interiors by Goddard Littlefair | Photography by Gareth Gardner
7
TATTU
Tattu is a strikingly beautiful restaurant that takes you on a journey of Asian-inspired libations paired with daring dishes. Tattu takes inspiration from body art and its rich history, inviting guests on a sensory journey from east to west, delivering a unique dining experience. The intricately carved Tattoo inspired room dividers tower over the space, whist lighting reminiscent of modern skyscrapers hover over the tables. The blossom tree though is the feature which catches everyones eyes.
Interiors by Edwin Design
8
AUSTRALASIA
Find the glass pyramid and you'll uncover one of the city's most luxurious restaurants. A clean minimal interior that's a seriously chic take on beach style in a haven of white washed wood and brick, Australasia is a beautiful spot inspired by Pacific Rim flavours
Interiors by Michelle Derbyshire & Edwin Design | Photography is Edwin Design & an unknown source
9
SUNSET BY AUSTRALASIA
If Instagrammable bars in Manchester are what you're looking for, Sunset by Australasia is the breathtaking pretty Pacific paradise which has you covered. From the bubblegum pink interior with a sleek bar and plush seating, to the botanical terrace with its white wash wooden seating and scattered cushions, its décor that oozes Miami-cool and laid-back Ibizan vibes.
Retaining the reputation for the best sushi and seafood, the Sunset menu takes inspiration from Australian cuisine and Pacific Rim flavours.
Interiors by Michelle Derbyshire | Photography is an unknown source
10
GRAND PACIFIC
An opulent Asian restaurant in the former home of a historic Victorian Gentleman's Club, Reform, Grand Pacific is dubbed “Manchester’s most magnificent dining room”. Built in 1871 the Grade II-listed building in in the Venetian gothic style. The interiors of this destination restaurant perfectly complement its exquisite reputation and world class cuisine; taking inspiration from the grand colonial hotels of South East Asia, the restaurant feels timeless, classic, yet very contemporary with opulent decor, plush seating and vintage design.
Interiors by Michelle Derbyshire | Photography is an unknown source
11
THE IVY
Sensory overload with these beautiful and bold interiors! The Ivy is an Instagrammer's paradise, there's something jaw dropping to look at in every direction, and even the food and cocktails and super pretty.
Artist Adam Ellis was commissioned to create a plethora of contemporary graphics, wallpapers, and impactful artwork throughout the venue. Wrapping the 5m tall stairwell to the roof garden, the custom hot botanical wallpaper brings vibrancy and depth to the space. This tropical panorama is overlaid with monkeys and exotic botanicals that invite visitors to wind their way to the top floor roof garden and its retractable roof.
Interiors by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio | Photography is by Adam Ellis Studio & a mix of unknown sources
12
IVY ASIA
Yes, this is inside the same venue (occupying the entire second floor) but the opulent decor is so different to The Ivy I felt it deserved it's own spot. It is a striking space! The floor is illuminated with a show-stopping green; a semi-precious stone floor reminiscent of China's precious jade. This is set against a striking antique gold mirrored bar topped with a pagoda roof, a gold-gilt ceiling and luxurious Asian fabrics. All the colours are so vivid and give the decor a real punch.
Interiors by Adam Ellis Studio | Photography is a mix of unknown sources
BONUS - THE TOILETS
I'm always most impressed by a restaurant when they've put as much effort into the toilets as the rest of the interior. The loos in the Ivy really knock your socks off with a floral ceiling and gold leaf bird adorned wallpaper. Wow, just wow!
Interiors by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio | Photography is by Adam Ellis Studio & a mix of unknown sources
At Magpye Creative Interiors we create unique space for unique clients. To enquire about working with us to create your dream interior please get in touch.
Katie
Katie Longshaw-Pye
Creative Director | Magpye Creative Interiors
Ribble Valley
PHOTOGRAPHY
I've tried by best to credit photographers of these beautiful images, however unfortunately I wasn't able to find all sources. If you spot your image on here please do get in touch so I can credit you accordingly for your great work.
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