THE LAUNCH of new reggae, rum and jerk joint, Turtle Bay, delivered exactly that last week.
The cocktails overflowed from its 70-strong rum menu, as did the tears as guests attempted Turtle Bay's inferno-spiced jerk ribs.
The Oxford Street Caribbean restaurant welcomed a host of Manchester partyheads for a Carnival inspired bash, along with Coronation Street's Hayley Tamaddon and X-Factor's Shane Ward.
Fulfilling its promise as a 'laid back, loud and proud' diner, guests were compelled to join the conga-line (as you do), as live reggae sets by bands Troy Ellis, Laid Blak and Hail Jamaica brought the vibrant island party spirit to the city centre.
The party spirit at Turtle Bay Manchester
The cocktails overflowed from its 70-strong rum menu, as did the tears as guests attempted Turtle Bay's inferno-spiced jerk ribs. As the popular old calypso song goes, it was “hot, hot, hot".
Under the approving gaze of the restaurant's Bob Marley mural, the temperature continued to rise (and brow's perspire) as a selection of the spice-rich Jamaican, Barbados and Trinidadian menu was served up, including traditional patties and dumplings.
Previously occupied by Alibi Bar, the new 8000 sq ft restaurant, given a £1m facelift, is a far cry more lively - the constant pump of bassy reggae helps.
Now open, it's the first Caribbean restaurant of this scale in Manchester and has been given a fit-out unique to the city, including a seating area inside an original shipping container, reclaimed bus seats and lanterns made from oil drums.
Turtle Bay Manchester, 33-35 Oxford Street. M14 BH.
0161 236 4101
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