TASTE of Manchester loves artist’s impressions of eateries coming our way. Eventually we’ll be able to paper a wall with all the digitally enhanced Corn Exchange newcomers (we particularly like the sheer vague insouciance of the sketches commissioned by Salvi’s).
Banyan Bar and Kitchen’s interior looks cool, all clean lines, white tiles and parquet. We’ll be road-testing the real thing at the beginning of October when it launches as Arc Inspirations’ first bar and restaurant in Manchester (they have a significant presence across the Pennines). If info on Corn Exchange arrivals has been – to put it kindly – piecemeal, it’s good to see one nailed in our diary.
Occupying a corner unit looking out on to Exchange Square, the all-day dining venue will feature an impressive outdoor south-facing terrace, offering 125 covers, while two below ground private dining rooms, named The Root and The Well, look perfect party venues. Perfect, too, for sampling the extensive drinks list including cocktails with a ‘Banyan twist’.
The Kitchen area will seat 90, offering meals in a more formal setting, alongside a huge open kitchen and a 20-cover Chef’s Table.
Arc MD Martin Wolstencroft, Managing Director of Arc Inspirations, said; “The Corn Exchange is a unique, historic location, right in the heart of Manchester’s retail core and we’re excited about introducing Banyan into this burgeoning mix of restaurants and bars.”
Banyan will be holding three days of preview breakfasts, lunches and dinners, running from September 28-30, where customers will be able to try the Banyan experience for free, while giving staff a practice run. Tables for this will be booked on a first come first served basis; email [email protected]. Keep in touch, too via @BanyanMCR.