Manahatta is the extravagant new late-night bar that opened officially last Saturday in Fountains Precinct, joining the likes of Turtle Bay, Pitcher and Piano and Mojo next to the City Hall. They’ve pitched themselves as “The totally instagramable venue - complete with neon lights, swings, a photobooth, and cocktail trees, that will showcase the most glamorous cocktails, showstopping entertainment, bottomless brunches and all-day dining, bringing the beat of New York to Sheffield.”
The “beat of New York” could certainly be felt on Friday night with an insanely glitzy VIP opening party featuring burlesque stilt performers, a red carpet, NYC yellow taxi, dancing saxophone players and enough prosecco to send Eddie and Patsy into orbit. The night came complete with ‘dollar bill’ drinks vouchers and a selection of canapés starring bar snacks and more indulgent food items from their American-style menu.
Manahatta definitely proved themselves capable of throwing a larger-than-life party with their 500-capacity venue flowing full of glamorous and ecstatic guests. If you’re after a night to remember of your own; the venue boasts a Gatsby-esque private bar upstairs, available to book for whatever excuse you can think of.
Ahead of Friday’s big do, we were invited to get a taste of the New York dining scene with their creative and well curated menu. As well as the opportunity for private dining upstairs, the main bar holds several bookable booths and tables for lining your stomach. The most anticipated part of the menu, the cocktail section, absolutely does not disappoint. As well as classic cocktails such as Martini’s, Margarita’s, and Long Island’s (just ask), Manahatta offers a range of exciting creations such as an East Side Cosmo “Less Sex on the Beach, more Sex in the City”, which was so good I had to have two (three). Aperitifs are also very well taken care of here, with the option for olives or other bar snacks to pair with your drink.
The starters were a fantastic selection of small plates including chicken and veggie gyoza’s, Korean cauliflower wings, tacos, and even a delicious sounding squid dish. Main meals on offer comprised of American-style burgers, a hot dog, a Caesar salad, ramen, and an 8oz steak, amongst other dishes. The bar also boasts an impressive wine list and selection of reasonably priced spirits and beers, including Lukas from Sheffield’s own Thornbridge brewery.
If this place didn’t already sound surreal enough, it also has a large balcony overlooking the City Hall, which will certainly make it a hit in the summer as well as a welcome addition to the city centre’s fast returning bar scene.
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