Reviewer for the north, Dave Marsland is in Manchester for his latest review.
After much pre-launch fanfare Chotto Matte has opened at the new development of St Michael’s close to Manchester’s Albert Square.
The ascent to the 10th floor provides the first hint of the brand’s Japanese-Peruvian leaning, and the arrival reveals the rest: a generous sweep of a room, dressed in what you’d see on an interior designer’s Pinterest board, each zone easing neatly into the next.
There are two bars, though the Skyview set-up is the one most likely to pull focus – it offers what might be the city’s best vista to take in while nursing a Toasted Peach Tommy’s, drawn from a notably deep agave selection.
Down at the main bar, a heavy timber counter provides the stage for the headline serve: a frozen Pisco Sour. The Paloma Negra meanwhile blends charcoal with Código 1530 Blanco tequila, mezcal, hibiscus, peach liqueur and grapefruit soda.
It’s all good drinking and, with a multitude of bottles to enjoy on the back bar, not to forget the aforementioned impressive agave selection at the Skyview Bar, it feels remiss not to park a little sipper next to your cocktail. All this and excellent service too.
Score: 8/10
No.1 St Michael’s Building, 36 Jackson’s Row, Manchester M2 5WD