It's mission statement was to bring some serious New York vibes to Newcastle, transporting Big Apple to the Bigg Market (or near enough anyway!) and, on the basis, of my first visit to Manahatta, the newly opened party haunt on Collingwood Street, it' has most definitely fulfilled its brief.
Having been to the Leeds branch just a few months earlier for bottomless brunch, I was very much excited about the prospect of indulging in some prosecco fuelled shenanigans closer to home, especially given that after a touch too much fizz in Leeds, my memories were slightly hazy to say the least.
One thing that definitely stood out from the afternoon of too many cocktails back in the summer was the cracking atmosphere than Manahatta created and, I'm happy to report, that is something that hasn't fallen by the wayside at its first Tyneside venue.
READ MORE; A first look inside Manahatta as New York inspired bar opens in Newcastle
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Invited along before the doors officially opened for the first time at the weekend and having just arrived back from an all inclusive holiday, I'll admit I wasn't entirely sure that more cocktails was a sensible way to go, but I'm more than glad I soldiered on - all in the name of work, of course!
It takes just a cursory glance at Manahatta's cocktail menu to realise it is a gift from the mixology gods. There truly is something to suit all drinkers, whatever your chosen poison may be. The menu is a place where Broadway Spritz's rub shoulders with East Side Cosmos and Staten Island Iced Teas share the spotlight with Elderflower and Mint Coolers.
Quite honestly, I studied that menu harder than I studied for most of my GCSEs and, after careful consideration, plumped for the Watermelon Sugar. Now, aside from being a bit of a Harry Styles fan. I'm very much a vodka boy and the promise of my go-to spirit, along with melon, mango, lemon and soda, had my thirst well and truly quenched, while my friend was easily swayed by the Sailor's Punch.
What makes Manahatta's cocktail offerings all the more refreshing is that they are all 2-for-1 Sunday through to Friday - after work drinks anyone? However, while it might be hard to see past Manahatta's cocktail menu, or see it at all after a few too many, it's not the only star attraction of the newly opened neon clad party palace.
The bar's culinary options also provide plenty of food for thought too and I'll say it now, the neon salmon tacos I tucked into are probably one of the best starters I have ever had. Having never seen the words 'neon' and 'salmon' next to each other in any equation before, I made the choice out of curiosity more than anything and was very pleased I did, as they were a fresh, zesty and zingy taste sensation.
The chicken Caesar salad main which I ordered with a side of house fires (because life's all about balance right?) was also delicious and plentiful, meaning I had absolutely no notes after a very enjoyable near two hour visit to an attention grabbing venue that should quickly cement itself as a firm favourite with both locals and visitors to Newcastle alike.
Lit up slogans like 'Save Water Drink Martinis' and 'This City Never Sleeps' ensure Manahatta is well in tune with the mindset of its Geordie customers, while the decadent but in your face decor should set it apart from some of its nightlife rivals in the city as we hurtle closer towards the hectic festive season.
Never mind Maid in Manhattan, good times are there to be Made in Manahatta.
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