Team behind Chester’s Covino bringing small plates menu and 250 wines
Rooftops are having a moment. The ground is boring. Forget about a donk, Manchester’s putting a rooftop bar or restaurant on it.
Whether it’s recent announcements surrounding The Treehouse Hotel at the north end of Deansgate, Chotto Matte - the Japanese Peruvian going on top of G Nev’s St Michael’s development or good old, “Sorry mate, you’re not on the list,” Soho House Manchester at the Old Granada Studios.
The site has so much to offer and we’re going to add something special to a great city
Bruntwood Works Blackfriars is the latest building with a roof getting in on the action with the announcement of wine-led seasonal restaurant Climat.
Everything tastes better closer to the sky
Those familiar with the Chester food and drink scene will know Covino well. Round the corner from Michelin-starred Hypha (Marina O'Loughlin described Covino as a “glorious place” when reviewing Hypha last July), the quaint, welcoming restaurant started as a wine bar and shop in 2016. It soon expanded, moving site in 2018 to set up on Northgate Street adding dreamy small plates to its menu.
Think Tuscan artichokes, lemon and aioli or parmesan polenta with house meatballs. Presented in the most photographable style possible on spotless white plates. The wine is given equal attention. Over 130 from around the world ranging from the classics to the funky naturals.
This small plate offering and penchant for wine will be brought to the skies of Manchester when Climat opens in Autumn 2022. A seasonally-inspired, daily changing food menu will be on offer alongside a curated selection of 250 wines with a focus on the notable Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs of the Burgundy region. The team hope the selection will be one of the best in the city.
Sweeping, 360-degree panoramic views of the city centre are also a bit of a draw. Covino Head Chef, Luke Richardson, has been bumped up to Executive Chef and will operate across both sites.
The cherry on the Bruntwood Works Blackfriars renovation cake
The addition of Climat caps the final stage of Bruntwood Works’ multi-million-pound renovation of its Blackfriars site. The 1920s-built site has been transformed to accommodate workspaces of varying sizes, an auditorium, podcasting studio, stylish ground floor lounge area and coffee shop. The addition of Climat completes the project as well as adding another reason to explore an often overlooked part of the city.
Christopher Laidler, owner of Covino and Climat restaurants, said:
“It’s great to get our foot in the door in Manchester. It represents a big step up for us. The site has so much to offer and we’re going to add something special to a great city. The space will be unique to others with its panoramic views and we can’t wait to share our progress during the build leading up to opening in autumn.
“Ultimately we want our guests to have a great dining experience and come and share our passion for really good food and drink.”
Climat, Blackfriars House St Marys, Parsonage, Manchester M3 2JA
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