GiGi Gusto Griglia is set to officially open in Manchester on 7 October, introducing a new Italian grill room and cocktail bar within the historic former City Library on Deansgate.
The concept is a reimagining of the former Gusto Manchester restaurant, drawing inspiration from the glamour, energy and style of Italy’s golden age while introducing a new menu, bar and entertainment programme.
The kitchen will be led by Manchester chef Sam Astley-Dean, whose previous experience includes Onda and Lina Stores.
Astley-Dean will oversee a menu centred on seasonal ingredients cooked à la griglia, with the open kitchen and grill producing a selection of fire-cooked dishes including Florentine steak, prawns, lamb chops and rare-breed cuts alongside antipasti, spuntini, fresh pasta and pizzette.
Sam Astley-Dean says:
“The menu is built for sharing, in the spirit of Italian famiglia dining. The dishes feel familiar, but the quality of the produce and the care taken in the kitchen make them special. It is proper cooking, served generously and without fuss.”
At the centre of the venue will be Bar Eleganza, a cocktail bar and entertainment space developed with Manchester concept team Want Studios.
The bar will house the House of Negroni, specialising in Negronis, Martinis and Sgroppinos alongside a selection of wines. Its drinks list has been developed by Manchester drinks consultancy Errant, the team behind Stray.
A baby grand piano will form part of the entertainment programme, with live musicians and DJs providing music throughout the venue. The bar will also feature a separate speakeasy-style entrance from Jackson’s Row.
GiGi Gusto Griglia has been created by Jamie Barber, founder of Cherry Equity Partners, whose hospitality background includes Hush Mayfair and Villandry and who previously appeared as an investor on Netflix series My Million Pound Menu.
Jamie Barber says: “I wanted, quite selfishly, to build a restaurant I want to go to, somewhere I can sip a proper Negroni, share handmade pasta and pizzette, listen to great music and finish with a well-rested piece of rare-breed steak. From the kitchen to the piano, bar to the DJs and management, every part of GiGi is designed around the pleasure of eating, drinking and staying out. That’s why we’ve spent the last year working with the best talent in Manchester to create something truly special alongside beautiful interior design from the well renowned Russell Sage (Gordon Ramsay / The Savoy) who bring timeless, classic and lavish finishes.
“We have huge respect for where Gusto came from and the people who grew up with it. GiGi is the next step on. More glamorous, more ambitious, and a proper night out.”
The interior has been designed by Russell Sage Studio as part of the transformation of the former Gusto site, combining the restaurant, open kitchen, grill room and central bar within the historic Manchester building.
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