The Alchemist, an all day dining and drinking establishment located in the heart of Manchester’s Spinningfield district, has doubled its capacity following an extensive renovation project.
The venue originally opened in November 2011 and was a hit from the outset with guests vying for space in the intimate surroundings.
The venue, which reopened on the 1st May, has increased in size to 5,200 square feet and is now complete with a new dedicated dining area. The scheme has been designed by Nottingham-based interior architecture and design company Macaulay Sinclair who have been instrumental in increasing the venue’s capacity by 116 covers in the restaurant and by 140 on the outdoor terrace.
The venue comprises a range of eye-catching features including spectacular lighting, stylish leather booths, an expansive wall of apothecary bottles, old chemistry desks used as tabletops and even a huge lighting structure which has been created in the exact molecular structure of alcohol in the main bar area.
The venue’s clever layout ensures customers can relax in what is a warm and comforting atmosphere. Guests are also encouraged to enjoy The Alchemist’s latest additions to the cocktail menu as well as the mouth-watering options available on the new food menu.
Customers visiting the newly revamped Alchemist can sample the venue’s range of Molecular Madness cocktails which include Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, Lavender Daiquiri, Caramelised Rum Punch, The – impressive – Colour Changing One, French Martinig and the Smokey Old Fashioned cocktail, to name but a few.
Those who are intrigued by the concoctions created at The Alchemist can get involved by taking the The Alchemist Cocktail Masterclass. Each masterclass is run by a dedicated mixologist, who will talk budding apprentices through each cocktail step by step in a private area of the venue. The history of each cocktail will be revealed and then each person has the opportunity to make – and drink, of course – each cocktail.
If cocktails aren’t your type of thing then The Alchemist stocks an expansive range of red, white, rose and sparkling wines, beers, bitters, ales and liquors that are sure to set customers tastebuds a-tingling!
Tim Bacon, CEO of Living Ventures; owners and operators of The Alchemist brand, commented:
“We are delighted that the bigger and brighter Alchemist is open in Spinningfields. The original and fire-starter for the Spinningfields we see now, the Alchemist opened in 2011 and was an instant hit if a little on the small size so when the opportunity arose to acquire half of the old All Saints site we jumped at the chance to let the Alchemist grow. Come down and checkout the new design, whilst enjoying a Smokey Old Fashioned of course, it is amazing.”
The Alchemist is the ideal breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks destination as it is open from first thing in the morning for breakfast and coffee, throughout the day and on into the evening for dinner and drinks. Wide open windows offer great views of the city and a mix of larger seating areas, sociable high tables and a pretty year round outdoor terrace make the space ideal for group outings as well as intimate couples night out.
The Alchemist brand has two venues in Manchester city centre, as well as in Leeds and London. The ever-expanding chain prides themselves on their skilled team of mixologists who continually push the boundaries of the drinking experience by creating delicious new cocktails every day.
Bedrock Tiles
Bedrock Tiles specialise in the supply of porcelain, ceramic, mosaic and natural stone tiles to both commercial and residential clients. Since their inception three and a half years ago Bedrock has worked for a plethora of high profile clients working on a number of well-known projects.
Previous projects include National Football Museum in Manchester, Imagine Luxury Spa in Cambridge, Beorma Hotel in Birmingham, London’s County Marriott, as well as carrying out projects on behalf of Network Rail in Leeds and Rugby. The firm have also supplied to numerous commercial offices, universities and premises across the UK.
Bedrock Tiles have recently supplied the Alchemist Bar and Restaurant with stunning hexagon shaped porcelain floor tiles. The 100mm x 100mm hexagons were chosen for their quirky look and affordability and achieve a high level of technical performance. Over a period of time, these hospitality favourites will allow the venue’s design to remain current in an ever-changing industry.
Pete Brown of Bedrock Tiles, said:
“I think this restaurant is going to set a new standard in hospitality, it’s bringing a design that is current, but more importantly one which will remain current in the future years. We’re proud to be a part of the Alchemist Bar and Restaurant and thank Macaulay Sinclair and the Bridgewater Group for being amazing clients. We’re looking forward to working with again.”
Pete added:
“We pride ourselves in being a market leader in sustainable tiles.”
Bridgewater Group
Bridgewater Group specialise in re-developments and refurbishments in the leisure industry across pubs, restaurants and hotels. Since their inception 40 years ago the firm have worked for a number of high profile clients including Spirit, Star Pubs, Double Tree, Hilton, Punch and Ribble Valley.
The firm recently worked as the main contractor on the refurbishment of The Alchemist in Manchester’s Spinningfield.
Mike Blenkinsop from the firm commented:
“Living Ventures have some of the best brands in the market place and this is exactly where Bridgewater wants to be operating.
“We pride ourselves on providing high quality finishes in line with the client’s budget.”
