Almost without anyone noticing, Knutsford-based company, Living Ventures are taking over the cityâs fine dining scene. Owned by Australian born Tim Bacon, the chain has added another link to itâs increasingly heavyweight roster (Grill on the Alley, Alchemist, Grill on New York Street, Olive Press) with the opening of new fusion restaurant and cocktail bar, Australasia.
Opening on May 28, the big idea is to craft a stylish and popular venue without a hint of pretence in the manner that Living Ventures are accomplished. The venue is full of promise too, housed under a glass dome under the Armani store in the heart of Deansgate. Cooked by New Zealand chef, Paul Greening, modern Australian cuisine is on the menu with early reports suggesting that Pacific Rim flavours are combined with strong European foundations and a blend of Indonesian and Southeast Asian influences.
We think that this is the cityâs first âPacific Rimâ restaurant, a style pioneered in the country by the likes of Peter Gordon who owns The Providores and Tapa Room in Marylebone and Covent Gardenâs Kopapa. When the restaurant opens at the end of the month, it will have a 3am licence on Friday and Saturday as well as a late night bar boasting a compelling list of signature cocktails, an impressive selection of wines as well as a roster of forthcoming DJs. Check back for a review soon.
Australasia is under Armani on Deansgate, M3 3AE. For more information about Living Ventures, click here.
