CityLife

Thomas Restaurant And Bar

Thomas Restaurant And Bar
Northern Quarter
June 2010

[This review is of the bar. For the restaurant, use the link on the right. ]

Overall: 4/5

Independent operators with expansion plans normally do one of two things: re-create a successful blueprint in other areas, a là Odd, Odder and Oddest, or capitalise on different types of trade in a popular area with a number of venues that are all unique.

Nicky Rybka-Goldsmith and Yvonne Goldsmith-Rybka, along with designer Paul Astill, have adopted the latter strategy, with enviable success.

With Cord bar and The Bay Horse under their belts, the Northern Quarter veterans have branched out with a modern restaurant business.

Just down the road from Bay Horse, Thomas Restaurant and Bar is aesthetically a million miles away from its siblings. The middle floor of the three-storey former rag-trade building has been removed to create a sweepingly high space with elegant fittings.

It’s a slick space that combines lip-shaped sofas, dining tables, outdoor seats, and a mezzanine balcony.

Typical of their venues, the drinks offer is succinct; 12 cocktails, small wine selection (Errazuruz Wild Ferment Chardonnay at £23.50 would be my recommendation) and recognisable beer brands, ranging from Carlsberg Extra Cold (£3.40) to Erdinger Weissbier (£3.80) on draught and from Corona (£3.40) to Dos Equis (£3.80) in bottles.

Thomas has a professional personality, a funk/soul soundtrack, and invites casual dining with price-conscious favourites; it will not fail.

49-51 Thomas Street, Northern Quarter, M4 1NA, (0161 839 7033).

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