Gaucho Manchester has reopened after a month-long closure, unveiling a complete transformation that includes a new open kitchen, an elevated 47-seat Martini bar, and two new private dining spaces. The iconic restaurant, set in a converted 19th-century Methodist church on St Mary's Street, first opened 25 years ago.
A Fresh Look for an Institution
CEO Baton Berisha acknowledged the need for reinvention, saying the restaurant "did require refurbishment, it was a bit tired." He added, "But I feel like it's still an institution in the city. We've been very grateful that people have been incredibly loyal to us for 25 years despite not being the most Instagrammable restaurant in comparison to a lot of others here."
The redesign draws inspiration from Latin American landscapes and textures, using earthy tones, natural timber, rich marble, brushed gold accents, and forest green touches. The church organ remains in place.
Expanded Menu and New Bar
The menu, led by Culinary Director Anthony Ekizian, now offers a wider variety beyond steak, including fish dishes, pastas, and options like Mussels and Chips, Flat Iron Chicken, Miso-Chipotle Crispy Tofu Salad, and pan-fried seabream. For the first month, Manchester is the only location serving the exclusive Whiskey Glaze Ribeye, a 300g steak finished with whiskey glaze and smoked tableside over cherry wood.
The Belvedere Martini Bar, created in partnership with Poland's longest-operating vodka distillery, serves classic and Espresso Martinis, including the Skinny Bee Spritz and the Belvedere 10 Luxury Martini with caviar. Live music and DJs will perform on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Setting a Precedent
Gaucho, which started in London in 1994 and now has 19 restaurants, chose Manchester as the first to undergo this major revamp. Berisha said, "It wasn't a risk choosing Manchester as the first for this new look because we knew we could do it properly here."
Reflecting on the restaurant's history, Berisha highlighted the loyal team, including a steak cutter with 25 years of service. He said, "I really do feel like Manchester now has a completely new restaurant. I hope people are really going to fall in love with it all over again."
Gaucho is at 2A St Mary's St, Manchester M3 2LB.
