HERE are the exclusive pictures from Jamie Oliver's new Italian restaurant due to open 20 February.
Manchester seems to be on the verge of getting it's own banking bonus.
Gordo and I went along armed with a camera.
J Oliver was there himself doing publicity shots so we got a show around by Chloe Green, the restaurant's PR manager, and Neil Burke, the restaurant's general manager.
Then someone pulled a big string in the back of the sweet man that is Gennaro Contaldo, and the restaurateur and TV personality, gave us a seamless monologue, chapter and verse, on the origin of the Jamie's Italian restaurants for half an hour. Despite this it was very entertaining.
Then he fed us. This underlined the restaurant's mantra of always making sure the finest ingredients are sourced.
"We want the best of everything, at prices people can afford," said Contaldo.
Men With Food, famous chef on the left, infamous eater on the right
Jamie's Italian in Manchester occupies one of the city's great buildings Edwin Lutyens' Midland Bank designed in the twenties built in the early thirties.
The refit has shown huge respect for the old building - done it justice. This is a grand space in every way and should be a delight to eat within. Or maybe lounge around with a beer, or coffee or bottle of full red.
The Vault lined in steel, with steel safety deposit boxes and ten inch steel doors will be an extraordinary place to dine - as long as you aren't claustrophobic.
But then the 278 cover restaurant is full of impressive spaces. The wood panelled bank manager's office is also available for private dining.
There will be lots of staff, 130 of them, and the head chef will be Gareth Howard, recruited in-house from Jamie's Birmingham.
There will also be lots of light, the Banking Hall in the main space has been taken full advantage of, and on the bright day we visited almost glowed. At night the scale and lighting effects will no doubt continue to enthrall. The space will be enlived by the movement of people and the buzz of chatter.
It's all looking very good. Manchester seems to be on the verge of getting it's own banking bonus.
You can follow Jonathan Schofield on Twitter here @JonathSchofield
Ground Floor View Of The Main Restaurant Area
Elegant And Effortless Ceiling Pattern
Bank Clock Back To Working Order
Gennaro Contaldo Takes A Massive Bite Out Of A Ham
Hamtastic Bar
Through A Glass Darkly
Detail From The Bank Woodwork, Tuscan Columns, Heavy Cornice, Triglyph With Perfect Guttae. Honestly This Is Real English
Crisp Wooden Details From The Original Bank
Stairwell
Entrance To The Vault, Look At That Door. Don't Attempt A Runner
Jamie's Italian King Street 036
Private Dining In The Vault - It Will Offer A Special Jamie's Menu At Around
Neil Burke - Manager
Detail From The Vault
Safety Deposit Boxes In The Vault
Each Loo Could House A Nineteenth Century Mill Worker's Family
Sink In Ladies Loo Before Addition Of Sweet Smelling Soaps And Potions
Midland Bank Branding In The Wrought Ironwork, Topped With An Urn
More Details From The Original Bank
Tops Of The Columns Finished Of With Edwin Lutyens' Trademark Delhi Order With Bells Motif
View Of The Restaurant In The Former Banking Hall
View Of The Restaurant In The Former Banking Hall Again
Lamps, Windows And Light, Lots Of It
Jamie's Italian, King Street
Chef Gennaro Conrtaldo - The World's Fastest And Most Enthusiastic Talker
Food, Lovely Food, On A Massive Table Tennis Bat
Jamie's Italian On King Street Gets First Visit From The Godfather
Edwin's Beautiful Bank Now Restaurant
Entrance Hall Details
Lutyens' Classic About To Set Sail Again
There's A New Kid On The Block
