Earlier this year, I headed over to the revamped restaurant at the Lowry Theatre. Gone was the canteen like space with the echoing noise of fellow diners, in its place was a comfortable, spacious venue with an excellent menu – that even now friends are visiting and can’t believe it’s the same space.
The bar too has changed. Gone is the theatre feel – it’s now much more of a separate space, somewhere to stop for a drink after work, or after a bit of shopping, rather than just for use pre or post theatre. Pier Eight is worth a visit in itself.
Keen to see what the bar offers, I took friend Marie for a drink or two so that we could assess the bar menu and check out some cocktails.
As it was a Saturday night, it was rather busy, but the staff had reserved a little spot for us in front of the large window that runs along the side of the bar area. The lighting is rather lovely here, so we used the opportunity to grab a selfie or two (and I could quietly take pictures of Marie’s shoes that I currently covet).
As you can see (if you look behind us), the seating and decor has a retro twist, hinting a little at the 1960s, with the soft mottled carpet, wall covering and mustard and teal accents. Most importantly, it’s comfortable and the excited sounds of the theatre goers are dulled by the more enclosed nature of the space. You’re in a theatre, but if it weren’t for the occasional announcements, you’d never realise.
Drinks wise, the bar is rather well stocked, with a good number of gins (9 at the last count) and whiskies (13), craft beers and wine selection. The cocktail menu is small but perfectly formed and we headed in rather heavily with a whisky cocktail each – an Old Fashioned for Marie and a Perfect Manhattan for myself.
Both were perfectly balanced, and delicious – ideally aiding our long overdue catch up. The Old Fashioned had that rich sweetness, but without being syrupy, the cinnamon and vanilla of the Bourbon working with the light zing of the orange zest. The Manhattan was heavier and less sweet, the vermouth balancing it and softening the heat of the rye whiskey.
As we chatted and visitors move in and out, we soon realised our cocktails had disappeared and we ordered again. A Negroni for me, this time – it was time to move from whiskey to gin.
The Negroni is one of my favourite cocktails – a skillful blend of bitter and sweet that has an almost syrupy mouthfeel to it, it’s long been a bartenders’ favourite, but is thankfully becoming more popular with those of us the other side of the bar. Marie indulged in a Bellini – champagne with peach puree and raspberries, a way of getting your five a day in alcoholic form?
As those in the theatre went back in after intermission, and Marie took a picture of the couple seated next to us (out on their anniversary, away from the kids) we realised we’d reached our final drinks of the night. One more, then we would head home – still a step away from a drink too many. For our final drinks we went distinctly off menu.
Hunting up olives in the kitchen, I had a deliciously Dirty Martini to finish the night, whereas Marie had something fruity and vodka based. Sex on the Beach.
As expected, the Martini hit the spot – like a cheeseboard at the end of a good meal, a Dirty Martini for me is a perfect end to the night. And a good olive is a tell of a good bar. This was a good olive, in a good Martini. Stick a fork in me, I’m done.
Marie’s cocktail brought back memories for me of girls nights out, beachside holidays (I shall quietly forget the hangovers afterwards) and was another great blend, not overly sweet, but fruity, long and refreshing. It’s a cheesy one, but a classic.
As with the restaurant, Pier Eight’s bar is fantastic. The service is great, even at the busiest moments with children running about in Shrek ears, the staff were helpful and patient, and service was fast. Everyone was well looked after and the bar food looked just as delicious as that in the restaurant with a more casual feel to it.
I’m rather looking forward to finding another reason to visit Media City – I know where I’ll be dining.
With thanks to Marie for the company, and the Pier Eight for the invitation and the service on the night.
The drinks sampled during this visit were supplied for free by Pier Eight. As ever, this doesn’t guarantee a positive review (if anything, I tend to be a harsher critic).
Again, as with our visit to the restaurant, we were impressed with everything. As a dreadful people watcher I not only experienced great service, but watched others enjoy the same.