Two world-class lifestyle brands collaborate to bring a new & exciting all-day-dining offer to Manchester

 

INNSiDE Manchester, part of Meliá Hotels International, and Gino D’Acampo Hotels & Leisure have collaborated to bring a new all-day-dining experience to Manchester – First Street Bar & Kitchen.

 

The news follows the announcement of an exclusive partnership between the two world-class brands that will see them work in unity to create a new hospitality empire, setting a new standard for accessible, modern hospitality and providing a full food and beverage solution across many international locations. 

 

The partnership will see Gino D’Acampo’s experienced team open a series of upmarket Italian restaurants with the global hotel giant, in addition to creating internationally inspired menus for a number of Melia’s leading locations, tailored exclusively to the destination.

 

Opening on Monday 17th May, in line with the government roadmap, First Street Bar & Kitchen is the first exciting execution that will see Gino and his hand-picked team work closely with that of INNSiDE Manchester to curate and deliver an exceptional food and drink experience for both hotel guests and locals alike.  It will be Gino’s third offering in the city joining his popular restaurants at The Corn Exchange and Manchester Arndale.

                                                                                                                                                  

The opening sees a £250k investment from Gino D’Acampo Hotels & Leisure in new kitchen facilities, an extended terrace that will wrap two sides of the impressive building and provide seating for a further 64 guests, and operations.  The partnership sees 20 jobs protected and a further 30 created.      

 

The mood of the spacious, open plan restaurant and lounge is, as you would expect from two brands with roots in the Mediterranean, relaxed, with stylish, comfortable seating for 200 guests.

 

Expansive floor to ceiling glass windows flood the space with natural light, with velvet furnishings in rich jewel tones providing a bold injection of colour against the cool, tiled floor.  Trailing plants suspended from the ceiling provide further interest with a photographic feature wall depicting iconic world first events together with leading Manchester destinations, adding an additional focal point.

 

Taking centre-stage at the end of the restaurant is the Spritz Bar – a large, copper-effect island bar with seating for 40 people.  Serving a generous number of spritzers from a classic Aperol Spritz to the restaurant’s signature Pino Spritz – a blend of Prosecco Primo, Fabbri Fiori Di Sambuco and Fever-Tree Soda, garnished with mint leaves and lime, in addition to a range of classic and contemporary drinks, it’s the perfect space for a post-work drink, pre-theatre nibble or catch up with friends.  A second, central bar will see guests invited to enjoy a mix of cocktails and premium wines, beers and spirits.  Local DJs provide the perfect background soundtrack to the beautiful environment making it a destination in its own right.

 

Outside, a generous terrace provides further seating for 120. Capturing the sun from morning through to night, it’s one of Manchester’s best kept secrets, providing the opportunity to soak up the atmosphere of the thriving First Street neighbourhood, with HOME, Manchester’s centre for contemporary theatre, film, art, music and more, just a stone’s throw away.  Pull up a seat in the afternoon and guests can enjoy early evening nibbles served with the compliments of the restaurant.

 

The eclectic all-day-dining menu features an extensive range of internationally inspired dishes, carefully selected by Gino’s team of talented executive development chefs.

 

Signature dishes include whole boneless sea bass with Tikka spices, mint yoghurt & lemon (£19.95); meatballs in a spicy tomato sauce with chilli and basil and served with toasted ciabatta (£13.95); and cod a la plancha with chorizo, new potatoes, cherry tomatoes and rosemary (£20.50).  For those looking for a lighter bite, a generous selection of sharing plates and salads are also available. 

 

Embracing the social nature of Mediterranean dining, a further small plate menu sees guests invited to share in up to 14 dishes, perfect enjoyed with a glass of something sparkling or a cold beer.  Featured dishes include Parma ham bruschetta with spicy ‘nduja, honey and pistachio; crispy rice croquettes stuffed with creamy taleggio cheese and peas; fried chilli squid with Thai herbs and noodle salad; and truffle cheesy fries (V); with three plates for £10, six plates for £18 or nine plates for £27.50.

 

Those attending the hotel for a celebratory or business function will also have the opportunity to enjoy a taste of the Italian chef’s culinary expertise with a number of banquet and delegate menus created by Gino’s team.  Prices range from £30pp to £50pp for a banquet menu and from £25pp for day delegates.

 

Speaking on First Street Bar & Kitchen at INNSiDE Manchester, Garry Fortune, Cluster General Manager at Meliá Hotels International, said: “This is a very exciting development for the hotel as we look ahead to the full reopening of the hotel and restaurant on May 17.  Whilst the last 12 months have had a significant impact on the hospitality industry, we’ve had the luxury of time to develop our offering and focus on exciting brand partnerships.  We’re thrilled to work with Gino D’Acampo and his team to bring a brand-new destination to Manchester, adding a new dimension to his existing portfolio of restaurants in the city.”

 

Gino D’Acampo added: “After many years of talking to Meliá about a partnership I am super excited to be working with Garry and the team. 

 

“I want First Street Bar & Kitchen to not only provide incredible food to hotel guests but to be a destination for food lovers to hang out from morning until night in cool surroundings.  

 

“Manchester’s an incredible city and to have the opportunity to open a third restaurant here and in partnership with INNSiDE Manchester, is a real honour.  It will have a totally different feel to that of my other restaurants, in-keeping with the hotel’s beautiful design, with my team working in partnership with Meliá to deliver the highest standard of food service for guests, whether they are dining in my restaurant, attending a conference or celebrating a special occasion.”

 

First Street Bar & Kitchen is managed and operated by Gino D’Acampo’s experienced team, providing exceptional service with a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.  

 

Open since 2015, INNSiDE Manchester is located in one of Manchester’s most vibrant neighbourhoods as part of the First Street development and is ideally situated for both business and leisure guests looking for a city centre destination. The hotel has continued to welcome guests for essential travel purposes throughout the pandemic but looks forward to welcoming non-essential travellers and local clientele once restrictions begin easing from 17th May.  

 

As part of Meliá Hotels International, INNSiDE Manchester will operate the global 'Stay Safe with Melia' programme across the hotel, which guarantees the highest COVID-19 health and safety standards, in collaboration with Bureau Veritas - Visit Britain's 'We're Good to Go'. Some of the measures put in place to prioritise guest and staff safety during this time include: a new signage system to inform customers and indicate how spaces will be used and the need for social distancing, installation of protective screens in reception and other public areas, sanitising stations and digital concierge.

 

INNSiDE by Meliá’s philosophy ‘Stay Curious’ promises to accommodate guests’ every need and desire, providing them with a home away from home, offering the ideal work life balance. Each stay will be enriched with music, art and literature curated by the hotel’s local experts. 

 

INNSiDE by Meliá has hotels in 28 locations, spread across 10 countries with 13 additional properties in the pipeline. Upcoming new openings include INNSiDE Newcastle, INNSiDE Liverpool, and INNSiDE Lisbon.