North West Premier Hospitality

Randall & Aubin

Randall & Aubin
Written by Roma Publications

Randall & Aubin

Randall & Aubin

After over twenty years of satisfying customers in Soho, London, with a sumptuous menu of seafood and meat dishes, Anglo-French brasserie Randall & Aubin has opened a second branch. Located in the heart of Manchester’s booming culinary scene, Randall & Aubin is bringing something new to the city.

Co-owned by renowned Chef Ed Baines and restauranteur Jamie Poulton, this new restaurant continues in the same tradition as Soho serving the freshest seafood and delicious rotisserie cooked meats. Blending quality and sustainably sourced ingredients with a warm and friendly interior, Randall & Aubin Manchester welcomed its first customers at the start of June.

Situated on Bridge Street, the restaurant boasts 140 covers across one floor. In addition to his role as co-owner, Jamie Poulton was also responsible for the design of the Manchester space. He spoke to Premier Hospitality about the decision to open in Manchester, the look of the space and his hopes for the restaurant:

“We’ve been in London for twenty years and where we’re based in Soho has changed quite a lot in that time. The business has also matured and we just felt now was the right time to expand. I’d like to think that in twenty years we’ve learnt our trade!

“It was the energy of the city that attracted us to Manchester. It had the same energy and creativity that Soho had when we first opened in 1996. We did have a look around and visited other cities but Manchester felt like the right place. There is already a vibrant restaurant scene with good suppliers. It’s a busy, edgy and creative city with great culture and has everything we think embraces what we do.

“The design of this new space is very much based on our Soho restaurant which was previously a turn of the century butchers with beautiful tiled walls, butcher hooks, brass and marble tables. We’ve taken that feel and expanded on it. We have a beautiful original Victorian shopfront window where we’ve put a seafood counter.”

Upon entering the restaurant diners are greeted by an open kitchen that creates a theatrical feel. Moving further into the space marble and brass feature heavily with long, high tables. A big part of the Soho branch has always been the emphasis placed on communal dining and it was important this was replicated in Manchester as Jamie explained:

“In our restaurants we want to try and promote people to be sociable. It’s really nice to see people meet each other and become friends. We’ve had many, many stories in Soho about people who have met and become good friends. We’ve even been responsible for a few marriages. Also, if you’re on a stool, you’re still the same height as the waiter so it’s easier and more comfortable.”

Randall & Aubin champion honest food and honest cooking to produce hearty meals. The majority of the meat served has been slowly cooked on the rotisserie, creating crispy yet succulent flavours. Similarly, the freshest seafood is available sourced from local suppliers. Popular dishes include garlic roasted large Mediterranean prawns; char grilled Cornish squid; grilled sea bass fillet; and slow roast pork belly.

Randall & Aubin has moved to Manchester at a time when the city’s food offering has never been better. Seafood, however, has historically been under-represented but early indications suggest locals are ready for something different. Jamie added:

“So far people seem to really love it. We spent a long time training staff and trying to get them to understand what we’re doing. There hasn’t been a seafood restaurant in Manchester for some time and we want our staff to know where our product is coming from.

“At the moment the menu is the same as Soho. There are a few dishes we’re planning to add that will be more Manchester inspired but we’re still in the process of finding out what does and doesn’t work.

“Obviously we’ve had the restaurant in Soho for a long time and this new space feels like Soho but grown up. It’s bigger, shinier and beautiful. Both Ed and I genuinely love Manchester and so far it’s been a pleasure.”

Randall & Aubin Manchester is open seven days a week. For more information please visit randallandaubin.com/manchester.

 Randall & Aubin

Meridian Design and Build Limited

Meridian Design and Build Limited specialise in fit-outs for restaurants, retail units and high-end residential homes. This November, Meridian Design and Build Ltd are celebrating 20 years in business and this is something the company is very proud of.

Over the past two decades, Meridian Design and Build Limited have worked with numerous worldwide corporations delivering exciting new schemes and designs. Clients have included Pizza Express, Franco Manca, The Real Greek, Wagamama, Nando’s, Obica, Paul Bakery, ASK, Wasabi, Bella Italia and Starbucks, amongst others. Most recently, Randall and Aubin.

Meridians Director, David Hack, said:

“When we were awarded this prestigious contract we knew we were going to have to emulate Randall and Aubin’s London restaurant, so a very unique challenge awaited us.

“I feel the end result in Manchester is a very credible reproduction of the London brand. I also believe that we have satisfied the aspirations of all parties and given the client a fabulous restaurant which is testimony to our team at our offices and on site!”

David added:

“Here at Meridian we pride ourselves on our ability to work closely with the entire project team and on every project we aim to deliver fantastic schemes which meet with the architect’s/designer’s overall view and project aspirations. Where called for, we can assist with planning applications and all our work is completed within programme and budget.”

Randall & Aubin

Fixed Seating UK Ltd

Fixed Seating UK (FSUK) Ltd is a leading UK fixed seating manufacturer, producing standard and custom commercial furniture for restaurants, bars, nightclubs, offices, hotels, cafes and more. The company has been in operation for four years and within this time, FSUK Ltd has been involved with an array of projects, including most recently the restaurant at Dukes Hotel in London.

Working on Randall & Aubin, FSUK Ltd worked with the designers and contractors to provide unique and stylish fixed seating to meet the client’s requirements.

Commenting on the project, Martyn Tolley, FSUK Ltd, said:

“Our products provide stylish and comfortable seating areas and it is always a privilege to help clients realise their dreams.”

Martyn added:

“Fixed Seating UK Ltd offers the best design solutions to make any interior completely unique and stylish. We can build fixed seating to suit any style, shape or height and it can be upholstered in the fabric of your choice.

“Each piece of fixed seating is carefully handmade to your style and specifications. Our one-stop value, allows a single contact for your full commercial furniture project.”

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Roma Publications