IT has been a long time coming, but the revamped Corn Exchange is finally opening its doors with the first three outlets in this ambitious self-styled ‘food mecca’ about to trade.
In truth, Taste of Manchester is underwhelmed by this first batch – Zizzi, Pizza Express and a chain it has missed out on, Cosy Club – with more interesting brands still on their way (Pho, Wahaca, Mowgli and local returnees Salvis and Tampopo). Still we hope to see it prosper after a £30m investment that helps transform that end of town.
Zizzi is holding a soft launch on Tuesday, August 11 with free meals for customers who trial it. There are two sittings available, lunch AND dinner. All you need to do is call the soft-launch booking line on 07508 676997 to reserve your spot. First come, first served (terms and conditions apply).
Pizza Express, with an entrance on Exchange Square, opened on Friday, August 8, with a special 25 per cent off food bills, including pizza, pasta or salad, at that venue alone until Sunday, August 9.
Cosy Club joins the fray – on the first floor with huge wrap-around windows – on Wednesday, August 12. Judging by their other nine venues nationwide, the remit is informal all-day casual dining, drinking and lounging in a quirky but family-friendly setting.
Decor is deliberately eclectic (the image is of Cardiff and shows the style). The walls are adorned with enormous rousing Soviet-era masterpieces, family portraits, flags, banners and iconic 50’s artwork peppered with the odd piece of taxidermy. All lit by chandeliers, industrial steel lamps and chintzy shades. ‘‘Think gents club meets village hall meets cricket pavilion,’’ they say. We will.
To win two places to their VIP opening on the Wednesday night email [email protected]