Thomas Restaurant and Bar opened in March 2010, and up until this weekend I had not yet payed a visit. I first noticed it on a night out a few weeks back, and was immediately impressed with its stark and bold image. However, this was not an occasion organised by myself, so we walked past.
On my first visit I was initially struck with the design of the place, a huge double floored ceiling, masses of concrete style tiles, plum and olive seats and dark leather sofas. Thomas' exuded all the aspects of cleanliness, light and airiness currently being shoved down our throats by style programs. Fantastically these aspects work beautifully and entering the bar is like entering a Tardis. The huge distance up to the ceiling gives a strange sense of relief after the small bustling streets of Manchester's Northern Quarter.
Some may find a venue like this hugely pretentious, but, we were greeted by a chap who warmly asked us if we were here to eat or drink. Having seen the "Cocktails" sign on the A-board outside, we were here for drinks. The barman invited us to pull up a seat at the bar, which was brimming with premium spirits, and a selection of draft brews, and gave us a drinks menu. As we studied the menu I noticed the barman pull out an almost frozen San Miguel glass from the fridge and began to pour a customers drink. The chilled glass was a nice touch, but I wonder if this is always possible, especially on a busy weekend evening.
There were a dozen or so cocktails available, all modern twists on the classics, but we were told we could order our favourites even if they were not on the list. I ordered a Thomas Manhattan, and Anna a Porn Star Martini.
The Manhattan was delivered in an icy Martini glass and was brimming with boozy overtones. The large slosh of Woodford Reserve Bourbon was cooled, but not weakened with a generous serving of Grant Burge Tawny Port. The whole ensemble was sweetened with a dash of Maraschino.
The Manhattan was tasty, and powerful, a real recommendation for fans of a bracing drink.
The Porn Star Martini looked filthy, good filthy and to top things of was presented with a shot of Prosecco. This Martini was thick and tasty, the Vanilla Vodka added strength and sweetness and the Passion Fruit added an acidity that ripped through it, keeping the whole drink zesty.
Whilst enjoying our drinks, we were discussing the array of premium spirits behind the bar, which the barman noticed. After asking us about our preference of spirits he presented me with a slug of 18 year old Japanese Single Malt, on the house. This was a lovely gesture, and a clever one. the Whisky was smokey and powerful, different to some of the lighter Japanese Malts I have tried, and certainly worth another visit to try with some of my whisky drinking friends.
After enjoying our drinks, and chats with the bar man, it was time to leave and I asked for the bill. Wonderfully the waitress made an error in our favour and gave us back £10 more change than she should have. After a quick moral dilemma we decided to be honest and gave the cash back, after all the drinks were fabulous and the service was brilliant.
One bone if contention was the male waiter who appeared just before we left. An arrogant looking chap, parading round like a peacock, was the antithesis of the man who served us. As he strutted about he chewed like a injured Pit Bull with a caramel. I don't mind chewing gum, its far better than bad breath, but munching away like that looks bad and the sound is highly irritating.
Chewing aside, our experience at Thomas' was fantastic, cool design and strong drinks, a great combination.
I visited Thomas Restaurant and Bar around 4.30pm on 16/10/10, Thomas Restaurant and Bar, Thomas St., Northern Quarter, Manchester.
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