REVIEW: Could Manchester nightlife rival New York?
I’VE been saying it to my friends and anyone else who’ll listen. Manchester is becoming like a mini New York. Seriously.
From the days when it was a city known mainly for the manic depressive musical splendour of Joy Division, New Order, The Smiths, The Chameleons through to Oasis, The Charlatans, Stone Roses et al, the city is becoming something or a cosmopolitan destination for the more mainstream visitor.
Witness the number of people you see knocking around with suitcases on wheels on a Friday. Granted many of these are the obligatory stag and hen parties.
Among the Big Apple-like high rises taking shape across the city region (Salford too) are a significant number of hotels or apart-hotels capitalising on the rising night time economy, although it may be a little while before they start filming Sex and the City there.
It was with this in mind I accepted an invitation to stay at the Atrium by BridgeStreet apart-hotel on Princess Street and an evening meal at Don Giovani on Oxford Street last weekend.
Myself and my partner had never stayed in this type of accommodation before and I have to say its quality was impressive to say the least.
Our third-level apartments included a lounge with integral kitchen facilities, double bedroom and a luxurious bathroom. We overlooked the activity in the Gay Village on Canal Street and there was a pleasing buzz around the city on Friday evening.
The Atrium impresses from the get-go with its fine reception area and helpful staff.
No expense has been spared in the comfort stakes with my partner and I agreeing the bed was the most comfortable we’ve experienced in recent years.
Onward it was then to Don Giovani for an 8pm dinner date. Predictably, this restaurant was extremely busy, but there was plenty of staff there to make sure there would be no hold-up getting seated at a table for two.
We kicked off with a highly pleasing bottleItalian red wine – Montepulciano d’Abruzzo (£27.95) – which lasted the entire meal.
My starter was Cozzi Piccanti – steamed Scottish mussels with onions, chilli in a white wine and tomato sauce at £8.95. Delicious, the perfect starter.
My partner ordered Duck and Chicken Liver Pate with toasted bread, served with cranberry compote (£5.95), which also proved highly satisfactory.
We then progressed to mains which were (for me) Sinco Di Agnello – lamb shank served on a bed of mash potato and lamb jus (£16.95) and (for her) Tagliata di Manzo – sliced sirloin steak served with rocket, parmesan shavings, extra virgin olive and balsamic glaze (£20.95).
We ordered a side dish of vegetables and we were both delighted with our meals. The lamb was amazing.
The service in the restaurant is excellent, especially when you consider how popular it is. Friday evening was a genuine test of their efficiency and quality of food under pressure.
We swerved the sweet course but I am reliably informed the cheesecake is to die for.
On the way back to the Atrium we called in at Canal Street for a convivial after dinner drink before we toddled off to shoot some zeds. A lovely evening, all in all.
