Press lunch at Grand Pacific Manchester...

Last week I was delighted to attend a press preview lunch at Grand Pacific, the exotic new restaurant and bar from Living Ventures. Located in Spring Gardens, an area filled with striking architecture, the  imposing style of the building makes an impression as soon as you arrive.
I attended a tour of the site when it was still under construction, which offered a fascinating glimpse in to the history of the grandiose Grade II Listed building which was once the Manchester Reform Club.
Grand Pacific is inspired by the golden age of high society and there is a lavish ambience as you sweep up the staircase adorned by a dramatic peacock chandelier, in to a mirrored hallway which gives way to the spacious bar and restaurant beyond. The design was created by Interior Designer, Michelle Derbyshire and potted palms create a sense of a forbidden oasis while the elegant bar is the perfect place to sip one of the cocktails which include hibiscus Collins, lassi punch and Earl Grey sling. Large windows, polished wooden floors and fireplaces give a nod to the refinement of a bygone era and cut crystal abacus inspired screens pay homage to the location in the original financial district of the city. The overall impression is one of understated sophistication with an atmosphere which makes you want to linger. 

We took our seats, eager to peruse the menu which draws upon eastern influences for a wealth of tempting dishes such as chirashi sushi bowl, prawn and mussel laska and Thai waterfall seared beef salad.

My starter of Thai fishcakes with pineapple sweet chilli dipping sauce was aromatic and tasty and the pineapple dipping sauce complemented the fishcakes with a hit of tangy sweetness.  

My dining companion was equally impressed by his chicken and spring onion gyoza with soy, sweet potato and miso. The gyoza were incredibly light and the tender chicken and spring onion filling was full of subtle flavours.

I was treated to one of the Grand Pacific signature cocktails, the Peacock, which comes garnished with a feather. The intriguing blend of Bacardi Carta Blanca, Blue Curaçao, Pineapple Juice and Kiwi & Lime Juice was a tropical delight. 

For the main course, my eye was immediately drawn to the tempura Szechuan sea bass with crispy noodles, pineapple and cucumber. The portion size was very generous and the tempura batter was light and golden with a delicately spiced flavour while the sea bass within was tender and flaky. 

My dining companion selected the 10oz rib eye steak and the quality of the 28 day aged British beef was outstanding while the kimchi and grilled heart of palm added contrast and the fiery wasabi crème fraiche worked well with the succulent steak. 

A dessert I can never resist is chocolate fondant and the Grand Pacific take on this classic dessert was sublime, with creamy vanilla ice cream, salted caramel sauce, honeycomb pieces and roasted peanuts which added further decadence to the dish.

My dining companion enjoyed his crème brûlée with jasmine tea bread and rose petal jelly. The creamy brûlée was delicious with the fragrant tea bread and the rose petal jelly brought a summery sweetness to the dessert. 

After lunch, we were presented with 'the wax seal' a drink made from Bulleit bourbon, Belsazar red, plum sake, bitters and water which is mixed and aged in a Bulleit barrel. There was a choice to either drink this after the meal or to keep it as a souvenir and I decided to take mine home to savour at a later date. 

Some of the Grand Pacific high teas were also showcased throughout the afternoon, and with tiers of dainty sandwiches and cakes on offer this is sure to become a popular destination for high tea in the city. 

Grand Pacific is a beguiling addition to the Manchester restaurant and bar scene, a tranquil oasis which blends exotic mystery with irresistible food and drink. Dining here is akin to to experiencing the grandeur of days gone by, combined with the pleasure of contemporary and polished menus. 

Grand Pacific 

50 Spring Gardens 

Manchester 

M2 1EN

www.grandpacific.uk.com

What do you all think, do you like the sound of a restaurant and bar which conjures up far flung places and which of these dishes would you like to try? As always I cannot wait to hear your thoughts and thank you so much for reading this post. 

Until next time,

Camille

xo