Bridge pair set to open Gay Village restaurant

LISA AND DANIELLE BRING WINNING FORMULA TO NO.1 CANAL STREET

A RESTAURANT hoping to step up the food scene in Manchester’s Gay Village is set to open its doors next month.

Based in the former Bandit, Mugger & Thief, No. 1 Canal Street will be the second venture from couple Lisa Kettle and Danielle Condron, who have been successfully running The Bridge Pub and Dining in Sale for just over a year.

“We’ve had a massive refit [at The Bridge] in January and off the back of that we’re flying,” says Lisa, who has previously worked at Albert’s Shed and Dukes 92.

“The reviews are absolutely flying – it’s 4.9 stars [on Facebook] after 18 months so we’re really proud of that.

“We’ve got a really big gay following here at The Bridge.

“A lot of people come because it’s me and Danni that took it and everyone is saying, ‘do it – we need somewhere decent to eat [on Canal Street].’”

A look at the contemporary, stylish touches at The Bridge gives an idea of what the city centre restaurant will look like.

“It’s going to be relaxed dining moving into a bit more energy in the evening.

“Soft furnishings, bright, airy – a real female feel to it, compared to what’s been down the canal before now. I think that’s the difference; very soft rather than these crazy drink offers. It’s going to step it up a little bit.”

Food-wise, No 1 Canal Street will serve modern British food with an Asian twist cooked up by head chef Paul Roberts.

Again, a look at The Bridge gives an idea: fresh seafood, crowd-pleasing 30 day dry-aged steaks, and flavour-packed curries.

The 60-cover restaurant will also offer two-course lunch deals which have proven popular at their Sale destination.

“It’s laid up for a restaurant with a small bar area, but we’ve got outside seating too - so on those nice days we’ll have full service out there as well,” Lisa continues.

Speaking about the current scene on Canal Street, Lisa said: “It’s a nice nightlife scene, but it’d be nice to have a few more eating places that people want to go to rather than just heading over to the Northern Quarter – which a lot of people do.

“People go there for drinking, and not the food really. “It’s missing that scene I think.” No 1 Canal Street will open next month, follow @ thebridgesale for more updates.