THE UK drinks 2.5 times more prosecco than the drink’s native Italy – official. Even though it’s more than twice the price. And it looks like Manchester’s Corn Exchange is doing its best to tap into that sparkling wine lake.
First celeb chef Gino D'Acampo opened a prosecco bar inside his eponymous restaurant there, serving more than 40 kinds of fizz and wine, including 10 types of prosecco, five by the glass, alongside free nibbles every day during aperitivo hour.
Now homegrown (Manchester via Naples) rivals Salvi’s have made their prosecco pitch in the centre of the grade II listed building’s great domed space, home to 12 different restaurants and eventually an apartment hotel.
Maurizio and Claire Cecco, who own and run Salvi’s mozzarella bar and restaurant inside the Exchange Square landmark, as well as Salvi's Cucina and Rosticceria on John Dalton Street, are launching Salvi’s Terrazza.
The atrium bar is a black leather upholsetred island offering prosecco, champagne, Italian wine and cocktails on a six month trial basis. Salvi’s recently created their own ‘aperitivo hour’ available Sunday to Friday from 4pm till 6:30pm. Let battle commence.
Maurizio is pictured setting up the Terrazza.