CityLife

Lounge 10

WHEN respected city centre eaterie Lounge 10 said it was opening another venue, it raised two questions.

Firstly, was it turning itself into a chain? This wilfully individual restaurant seemed an unlikely prototype for the copy-cat follow-ups that characterise a typical roll-out. Secondly, why had it picked Bolton?

With the exception of Juniper, top quality destination restaurants tend not to spring up in satellite towns, usually going for the city centre or sticks rule.

CityLife got the answers to both questions with a trip to the new, smartly-appointed site.

Yes this is a second venture, but it’s more of a brand extension than a straight roll out. Lounge 10 in Manchester is a fine dining restaurant; Lounge 10 Bar and Brasserie is, as the site’s branding suggests, a much more relaxed affair.

With this in mind, the location on Nelson Square makes more sense.

Its bar/restaurant function fuses modern design with cocktails, a big wine list and accessible menu options like sausage and mash, steak sandwiches and Nicoise salads, all underpinned by Lounge 10’s signature commitment to quality.

The result is a classy alternative in a circuit of bars that is otherwise pretty mainstream.

Risqué

There are references to the original restaurant (risqué artwork, facilities for live music) but it is a very different style of operation to its predecessor.

Black banquette seating, a white grand piano, black velvet tablecloths and copious candles make for a modern, sexy space as suited for drinking as it is eating. And the venue isn’t finished yet.

In spring, a member’s only Amsterdam-style Supper Club will open in a separate room behind the main bar – offering food, live jazz and other saucily-themed entertainment to a select group of guests.

CityLife’s verdict? A bit grown up for the coatless late-night Bolton massive, but then there are lots of other bars for the hoards and, judging by the busy room of drinkers and diners the night of our visit, Lounge 10 has had no trouble finding its niche.

What do you think of Lounge 10? Have your say.

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