A DEAL has been agreed on Quill, the first new restaurant announced in 2015's so-called 'King Street rethink' - an initiative to reinvigorate the flagging retail street with a spatter of cafes, bars and restaurants.
"I am confident that, with the right mix of high-end venues like Quill, King Street could begin to rival the popular Spinningfields area."
On 2 January, Confidential reported that the owners of Didsbury's Chalk Bar & Grill (opened in May 2014 and reviewed here) were lining-up the former Duo unit at 20/22 King Street for a move into the city centre.
Owners say Quill - due to open in March/April 2015 - will bring the "highest quality British cuisine and an impressive drinks offering in a sumptuous and relaxed bar environment."
Sumptuous yet relaxed co-owner Chris Longmate said:
“Over recent months there has been a great deal of discussion in the city about turning King Street into a food and drink hub as the market continues to thrive, and we’re really excited to be bringing the highest quality of British fine dining to the area.
“Every week there are new names arriving in the city centre, which illustrates just how much of an appetite there is for quality venues in Manchester, and we are leading the way at King Street with Quill.
Quill will be a sister restaurant to Chalk in Didsbury
“There is huge opportunity at King Street as it has fallen out of favour with retailers," continued Longmate, "and a change of use is the logical route to take. I am confident that, with the right mix of high-end venues like Quill, King Street could begin to rival the popular Spinningfields area.
“The look of the venue is really cutting edge and will include features such as an indoor patio area, which will give the feel of al fresco while ensuring customers do not get cold."
Longmate and co-owner Gemma Cripwell will be joined at Quill by Dominic Gottelier, former general manager of long-standing Alderley gastro pub The Wizard.
Longmate says Quill will become the flagship brand for the On The Wall group - with Chalk and Quill joined by a third site later in the year.
