Hundreds expected at Australasia launch

MORE than 500 people are expected to attend the launch party of Living Venture’s latest venue, Australasia, in Manchester this evening.

According to Living Ventures’  founder, Australia-born entrepreneur Tim Bacon the £2m underground cocktail bar and restaurant aims to bring “a bit of cool, downtown Sydney, down under in Manchester.”

Living Ventures, which also operates the Blackhouse Grill and Gusto brands, has continued to expand and invest in new concepts during the recession.

A deal with Spinningfields developer Allied London has seen the Knutsford-based company focus its energies on the business district to boost its night-time and leisure offering.

Last year the Alchemist restaurant and cocktail bar was launched on the ground floor at 3 Hardman Street, the largest building within Spinningfields.

Australasia has a glass-fronted entrance on Spinningfields Square, in front of the Armani store.

It has a 3am licence for Friday and Saturday, which was obtained for Living Ventures by Manchester law firm Kuits.

Licensing partner  Anthony Lyons said: “We have worked with Living Ventures for a number of years and their drive and enthusiasm to develop and deliver new concepts is outstanding.  We continue to wish them every success for the future.”

Australasia is Living Ventures’ 22th site, with the portfolio also including 19 restaurants  and two late-night Suburbia bars.