Inside the £2m steak and gin venue coming to Manchester

The owners of a Scottish steak and gin restaurant coming to Manchester have revealed new details of their plans.

Glendola Leisure, the firm behind Alston Bar & Beef in Glasgow, is investing £2m in a 6,500 sq ft venue at Manchester’s Corn Exchange.

The 160-cover bar and restaurant, the firm’s second in the UK, will offer a menu featuring a selection of steaks and 58 gins from around the world, including local brands Manchester Three Rivers and Manchester Gin.

Glendola said the restaurant will be the first in Manchester to serve Tweed Valley steak, selected from the top 1% of Scottish beef and dry hung for 35 days.

Alex Salussolia, managing director of Glendola Leisure, said: “Having seen such success in Glasgow, we’re confident that Alston Bar & Beef will make the perfect addition to the Manchester food and drink scene when we open our doors this Autumn.

“We have big plans to transform the space at the Corn Exchange into a welcoming environment that will provide the perfect back drop for people to come and enjoy the best gin and steak on offer in Manchester.”

Designs for the new basement-level Alston Bar & Beef, created by interiors firm Jestico + Whiles, include a 10m-wide mural wall decorated with the work of Manchester street artist Tank Petrol.

Jestico +Whiles’ head of interior design and hospitality, James Dilley, commented: “It’s great to be working with Glendola Leisure once again on another exciting venue and in a new location following the success of Alston Bar & Beef Glasgow.

“Our design for the Manchester venue draw upon the history of the Corn Exchange together with the wider context of the city to create a unique space featuring a dramatic interior environment and distinctive ambiance.”

Alston Bar & Beef Manchester general manager Riki Bennet said: “Whether it is our stunning venue, the top one per cent of Scottish Beef we will have on offer, or our huge range of bespoke gin-infusions and gin-based cocktails, Alston Bar & Beef will offer something for everyone and it is great to be one step closer to our official launch.”