Earlier this month a new bar called The Alchemist opened in Spinningfields. The team behind the new establishment are Living Ventures, a group known for pulling more than your average establishment out the hat. From a Knutsford-base, the company run the Blackhouse Grill chain including Grill on the Alley as well as the Italian-inspired Gusto group. Most recently, the group made headlines by acquiring several of Paul Heathcoteâs restaurants such as Grado which specialises in contemporary Spanish fare.
At the launch, partygoers slurped Porn Star Martinis and got acquainted with the space which has been designed by, among others, Trevor Johnson of the Creative Lynx agency. The Manchester-based designer has worked with brands as diverse as Manchester United FC, Manchester Metropolitan Police and the Manchester Food and Drink Festival 2010 campaigns â and his reputation has been polished further by this bold new venue.
In whatâs basically a straightforward Spinningfieldâs business unit, a high ceiling expands an L-shaped room and a 50 cover dining area. Above the main bar, thereâs a retro âstationâ clock and a shower of hanging bulbs, while heavy front doors and a golden scroll of a menu add a touch of pizzazz. Co-founder of the group, Tim Bacon, was behind Deansgateâs first âsee and be seenâ bar, Living Room and heâs said that he hopes Alchemist will be a kind of Living Room for the 2010s, bringing together a smart bar environment with fine food and coffee. The opening hours back up these ambitions: open from 7.30am, this is a place to meet for work or play when it suits you rather than the Alchemist staff.
Food is down-to-earth and easy to eat; burgers, chicken in the basket with a warm and crispy coating, and nachos with cheese, a little twist on this classic in the shape of chorizo slices. If you like the Living Roomâs grub, youâll probably like what theyâre doing here which is basically posh pub nosh that seldom hits the £10 mark. Drinks are more imaginative, with cocktails a particular strength and there are world wines and ales to wrap your winter self up in too.
To date, the clientele includes local business people and lawyers, those frequenting the festive markets and pre-or-post gig at the nearby Opera House. A new live venue from the Trof group is rumoured take up residence in the basement of Quay House early next year, confirming the area as a new âdestinationâ for eating, drinking and dancing in the city centre, and Taste will be reviewing Alchemist in detail in the new year.
The Alchemist, 3 Hardman Street, Spinningfields, M3 3HF. Tel: 0161 817 2950
