New city centre cocktail bar to create 75 jobs as launch date revealed

Arc Inspirations has named an opening date for its latest New York-inspired cocktail bar Manahatta.

The venue will launch on Saturday October 5 from Queen Street in Nottingham city centre and will create 75 jobs.

The bar will occupy a space of 700 sq ft, holding a total capacity of 500 people. Dating back to the 1800s, the building previously served as the regional Air Raid Precaution headquarters during World War II and the General Post Office from 1989. Before the site was taken over by Arc Inspirations, it was occupied by restaurant chain Red’s True Barbecue.

Arc Inspirations co-founder and chief executive, Martin Wolstencroft, said: “Nottingham has proven to be an incredibly vibrant and welcoming city for us, and we are beyond excited to introduce our stunning new Manahatta design here. The historic setting of The Frontage, combined with our New York-inspired concept, will create a chic, unique and unforgettable space, with a great atmosphere, iconic entertainment and quality food and drink offerings.

“We’re eager to bring a slice of Manhattan’s glamour and energy to Nottingham’s nightlife scene. And, following on from the success of the launch of BOX Nottingham, we can’t wait to bring the beat of New York to the city.”

ARC Inspirations is based in the north of England and operates three brands: Box (which also recently opened in Nottingham); Manahatta; and Banyan.

Last year the company pulled out of opening one of its Manahatta cocktail bars in Nottingham.

The proposed bar was set to create 100 jobs in the city, after Arc submitted a planning application to transform the Grade II former French Connection unit on Victoria Street.

However, some 10 months since the planning application was submitted, Arc shelved the idea.