THE former Chicago Rock Café building has been at the heart of a £1million transformation, the result of which is Manchester’s newest and largest pan-Asian restaurant. ‘Sakana’, seating over 400 diners and employing almost 100 staff, is now open.
So what does the name ‘Sakana’ actually mean? Well, quite simply it is to ‘’enjoy alcohol with food’’ – something we at TOM pride ourselves upon
A key feature of the lavish bar is the six metre high steel tree, a spectacular centrepiece within the split-level venue. The illuminated Japanese maple was designed by local artist Sarah Gallagher-Hayes, while in other areas of the restaurant, contemporary artwork by Japanese artist Masako is on display and for sale.
Open air seating at the front and a swanky bar is a prelude to the explosion of sights and sounds in the Japanese restaurant on the ground floor complete with sushi bar, robata grill and two teppanyaki areas where diners can watch dishes being freshly prepared.
On the first floor is a pan-Asian fine dining restaurant, as well as a “residents area” bar where those wishing to splash out can have their pick of an array of rare and vintage wines . A highlight of the list is the £3,600 1996 vintage Petrus!
Stewart Yip, owner of restaurants Red Chilli and Ocean Treasure in Manchester is behind the venue with the help of sons Simon, Andy and Ricky and cousin Tim Yip who together run the Rock Star Leisure Group. The four lads officially opened Sakana by tapping into a Sake Drum and leading a good health toast with the stuff.
Work continues to the exterior of the building for the coming few weeks, but the venue is now open to the public. A VIP red carpet event is set to take place on Thursday, November 27.
Sakana, 23 Peter Street, Manchester M2 5QR. 0161 834 1898, http://www.sakanapan-asian.co.uk
