If you’ve missed all the fuss in the restaurant world in Manchester over the last couple of months, then I’m presuming you’ve been on an extended holiday, under a rock, or like Mr GFB you’ve made your other half a GTAV widow.
It’s all anyone’s been talking about. Now, whilst I haven’t yet been able to visit The French or Manchester House (we have a new kitchen to save up for), James Martin Manchester has only just opened and my only very brief visit to Artisan was a bit disappointing, I have been to Mr Cooper’s.
Well the bar anyway.
I first met Tim Laferla, the Bar Manager at a cocktail competition with Angostura Bitters. A chap who charmed us with both his cocktail skills and his manners. Discovering he was heading to Mr Cooper’s House, was impressive – with only 5 months in Manchester fresh from his Australian home.
Stopping by on one of my very random city centre evenings (I later ended up in Chorlton, meeting a brewer with cake, as you do) the first thing that impresses you is the welcome. Yes, admittedly there were one or two friendly faces, but the staff I didn’t know offered the same warmth and kindness.
Then, and it’s only then, do you take stock of your surroundings – the architecture of the building, the glass, very well stocked shelves (though at the time of writing, only the rum section is full), and a stunning marble bar. It’s clean and there’s something almost, well…. It reminds me a bit of my nan’s pantry. Now, not in looks, by any means, but it’s got little jars of flowers and seeds, hand labelled bottles, there are handmade syrups and flavoured alcohols. They bring the garden inside and put it in your glass.
So what does this mean drinks wise? It means something special. It means a Coach Maker’s Cobbler, referencing the original use of the land that now holds the bar, which is not just very pretty, but an aperitif that’s balanced, with the right amount of fruit and cleansing feel to get your tastebuds tingling and ready for a good meal.
It also means the most delicious Clover Club I have had, probably ever – and I have no doubt it will be disputed and I’ll have to try a lot to verify this fact, but what’s a girl to do?
Finally, it means a philosophy that matches the restaurant – keep the history, keep the roots, keep the heart.
Now, it’s going to shave a little off my kitchen budget, but I think I know where Mr GFB and I are heading for dinner next…