Manchester is celebrated for its thriving culinary landscape, and today it receives an added boost as Lucky Cat, a Japanese concept restaurant from renowned chef Gordon Ramsay, finally opens its doors.
The eagerly awaited dining spot is the chef's first major restaurant venture in the city and the second Lucky Cat location, following the 2019 opening of its Mayfair flagship. Its home, 100 King Street, a stunning Grade II-listed building that was originally the Midland Bank and built in an Art Deco-style, was last occupied by Jamie Oliver’s Jamie’s Italian.
The space, which boasts plush interiors by Russel Sage Design Studio, pays homage to the building's rich history while adding splashes of character for Lucky Cat. The concept is based on the drinking dens of 1930s Tokyo, and the ‘kissa’, the name for the jazz bars that were popular at the time.
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With its high ceilings and large arched windows the expansive space sets quite the tone and has been totally renovated to include opulent dining vaults, private dining and drinking areas, plus a large public dining room on the ground floor. Exclusive images of the restaurant show its intricate and carefully curated interior details - from Art Deco-style lighting and planters dotted around the space, to its cosy banquettes, seating and beautifully lit bar.
Following the lead of its Mayfair branch, menus will span a la carte, lunch, dessert and private dining options. Dishes revolve around Asian-inspired small plates, Robata grilled dishes, sushi and sashimi - the latter featuring plates of tuna tartare and dragon rolls.
It is designed to be shared - dishes on offer include snacks such as Kyoto cucumber and salt and pepper squid, raw and salad options like ceviche and sliced yellowtail, plus sushi rolls, tempura and fried options.
As well as a strong dumpling and bao selection, signature dishes include black cod, beef sirloin ‘weeping tiger’ and a Lucky Cat duck bao, created by Ramsay and Lucky Cat Executive Head Chef Andre Camilo.
Desserts meanwhile include mochi, mango and coconut sticky rice, plus Lucky Cat's own truffles. Dishes range in price from £9 for padron peppers to £29 for Bonito fried duck leg bao, and £86 for a full roasted lobster.
Complementing the dishes is a carefully curated selection of cocktails and fine wines including the mysterious ‘Lucky Negroni’. Diners who pick the tipple will be asked to roll three dice from a mystery box to determine the combination of gin, vermouth and bitters, with a possible 216 combinations, making the drink ‘a personalised, exhilarating experience’.
The multi-Michelin star winning celebrity chef commented: “I’ve toured and worked in much of Asia over the years, and the culture, the flavours, and the incredible cooking truly inspire me.
“Manchester is renowned for its thriving culinary landscape, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it. We’re fired up to build on the phenomenal success of our Mayfair restaurant and bring something truly exceptional to the people of Manchester this summer.
"Lucky Cat is more than just a restaurant; it’s an extraordinary encounter. We’re ready to dazzle Manchester’s vibrant culinary scene with a gastronomic spectacle that will leave you craving more!”
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