IT’S hard to resolve Dry January and draconian government drink guidelines with the avalanche of new bars heading our way. For London hospitality chains Manchester seems some kind of 21st Century Klondyke – ‘there’s gold in them thar cocktails!’
So no surprise that 2017 kicks off with the prospect of Deansgate accommodating Dirty Martini over three floors of the former Mountain Warehouse store, round the corner from the burgeoning Peter Street booze scene.
Owned by CG Restaurants & Bars, there are already eight Dirty Martinis across London (the Clapham brand is pictured) and a recent outpost in Cardiff, offering a predictable formula – martinis, classic cocktails and wines/champagnes alongside a selection of ‘dirty bites’ including flatbreads, falafels, skewers and, no surprise, burgers. ToM is neither shaken, nor stirred.