Manchesters Pubs, Bars, Clubs, and Restaurants.

[Lookin Up]

I think Thom has nailed it on the head.
Too specialized for a small market like Manchester and we don't get the tourists in the same way as London, Paris New York etc

You need tourists galore to make this work...main reason...tourists tend to be highly conservative in their eating habits and steak frites is about as conservative as it gets. 'Rip them once' model like those ghastly Angus / Aberdeen Steak Houses in London.

Oh and that 'pack 'em in' close up and personal concept works if you're a tourist, I hate it if I want to have a proper chat with someone.

Shame though, no-one likes to see a failed business. Good luck to the staff in getting something else, wasn't their fault.

[slipdigby]

Originally Posted by ThomH

To be fair the £21 and £17 were for a fixed three course lunch/dinner including the walnut salad (perfectly ok), fries (greasy) and a decent steak with "special" sauce (which I loved) and a choice of desserts (which I always found poor but which were undeniably impressive in scale).

On that basis it beats most places in town on price, especially at dinner (ie away from early birds and lunch deals) though it's success/failure did, as noted, hinge on the fact that it is rare an entire party of diners have a hankering for exactly that menu at exactly the same time.

Aha, I wasn't aware that dessert was included! Seems more reasonable now.

Best,
Slip

[scproductions]

French food isn't exactly a big choice amongst the average punter.

It's not well known over here and people (when hungry and experimental) probably won't spend over £20 on food they are unsure of.

I know we have Rouge Cafe - but it's far more commercial and affordable.

Always thought it was a silly choice from when it first opened.

[Savage Henry]

I'll be sad to see L'Entrecote go. I've been a fan of the place ever since eating at the Porte-Maillot restaurant years ago, and having revisited a few times since. I'd rather eat somewhere that does a limited selection really well than have a huge menu of options mostly done pretty averagely. Albeit in this case, it was possibly too limited, but still preferable to Jamie's etc for me.

The atmosphere has been their biggest problem for me. When the restaurant is half-empty there's something a bit oddly uncomfortable about the tables being so close together - whereas it does seem to work in Paris (and is basically a necessity given how busy it constantly is). I don't think the criticism of it being too expensive, as often leveled at it, is particularly true.

A shame to see it go, but if it's not meant to be then it's not meant to be.

[slipdigby]

Originally Posted by scproductions

French food isn't exactly a big choice amongst the average punter.

Steak and Chips?

Best,
Slip

[jrb]

Originally Posted by Lookin Up

I think Thom has nailed it on the head.
Too specialized for a small market like Manchester and we don't get the tourists in the same way as London, Paris New York etc

You need tourists galore to make this work...main reason...tourists tend to be highly conservative in their eating habits and steak frites is about as conservative as it gets. 'Rip them once' model like those ghastly Angus / Aberdeen Steak Houses in London.

Oh and that 'pack 'em in' close up and personal concept works if you're a tourist, I hate it if I want to have a proper chat with someone.

Shame though, no-one likes to see a failed business. Good luck to the staff in getting something else, wasn't their fault.

Nail on the head, Looking Up.

There's only so many people who eat steak, as well as fries. It was never going to work/last in Manchester.

Perhaps Blackpool would have been a better choice?

Steak and fries alongside a kiss me quick hat.

[flange]

The Australasia expansion, Grand Pacific Garden & Bar opens Monday 1st July at The Avenue.

Australasia’s Grand Pacific Bar and Garden

17th June, 2013 by I Love MCR Team

Australasia is creeping into neighbouring territory with the growth of a sultry new bar and garden, just in time for more clement weather! Opening 1st July, Grand Pacific Bar & Garden will be a contemporary colonial oasis in the heart of Spinningfields, directly behind the Armani Store, where patrons can relax with a thirst-quenching cocktail.

A secluded staircase within Australasia will provide a direct link into the neoclassical main interior of Grand Pacific where you’ll discover a long bar, evoking the laid-back feel of a Pacific Rim beach hideaway. Make the trek out-back through the folding doors of the main entrance, and you’ll emerge into a canopied outdoor garden with a second bar enveloped by lush, tropical foliage, giving a feel of the outside, in.

In keeping with the easy-going vibe, the bar will serve delicately prepared sushi and other light bites from Australasia’s menu.

Grand Pacific Bar and Garden will be a refreshing retreat from the bustle of Deansgate during the summer months and a perfect destination for more intimate and informal get-togethers, whatever the season.

http://ilovemanchester.com/2013/06/1...ar-and-garden/

[scproductions]

Originally Posted by slipdigby

Steak and Chips?

Best,
Slip

Steak and Chips doesn't scream french food to me... you can get that pretty much anywhere else, and most would look for the nearby Grill on the Alley or a similar establishment.

[InManchester]

The disastrous R House on Hilton Street has gone forever. I'm amazed it managed to last so long. Reopening soon as Shack Restaurant and Bar.

Looks as though the decor is being shipped back to Elton John's boudoir so they can make way for a more stereotypical NQ stripped back look.

[monkey_rat]

Given the size it could work as a beer hall type boozer. Give Port Street a run for it's money.

The name shack sounds like it could be a bit rough round the edges, which will work miles better than R House which wasn't very northern quarterish nor did it suit the fairly shabby looking hilton house.

[jaymmu]

Originally Posted by monkey_rat

Given the size it could work as a beer hall type boozer. Give Port Street a run for it's money.

The name shack sounds like it could be a bit rough round the edges, which will work miles better than R House which wasn't very northern quarterish nor did it suit the fairly shabby looking hilton house.

Doubt it would get the licence for a beer hall type boozer due to the proximity of the residential building behind it.

[he-bloke]

Just walked past Shack. Looks like a cheap tacky tiki bar to me.

[slipdigby]

Originally Posted by scproductions

Steak and Chips doesn't scream french food to me... you can get that pretty much anywhere else, and most would look for the nearby Grill on the Alley or a similar establishment.

I think we are both in agreement then.....

Best,
Slip