MAYA Manchester

The three-storey bar and restaurant MAYA has an impressive pedigree, coming from the same corner of the hospitality world as Isabel Mayfair, Soho House and other such high-end stylish establishments. You’ll find it on the corner of Canal Street and Chorlton in central Manchester, looking very swanky indeed.

It’ll offer a dynamic all-day dining experience, meaning visitors can enjoy MAYA from noon until the early hours of the morning, across each of its three levels.

We were lucky enough to attend the recent launch event, and can happily report that the canapes are excellent as are the the drinks. The venue looks undeniably stylish and swish – no corners cut here; and the staff were impressively friendly and professional, even when dealing with sozzled food and drink editors. Mentioning no names. Hic.

We’ll give a full rundown of the food soon but early reports have been remarkably positive, thanks to a great menu courtesy of the head chef, Manchester’s very own, Gabe Lea.

As for the rest of the venue, the brasserie space is set at ground level and welcomes sweeping daylight and the familiar cobbles of Canal Street. This bright, lightly toned and open space is where you’ll find a modern-European style menu of brasserie classics.

Then, head below ground level for the main dining room, deliciously described as having a “sumptuously hued, alluring interior”. Here, the food and drink is more about the experience, centred around an ingredient-led, hyper-seasonal and regularly changing menu. The aforementioned head chef Gabe Lea, cut his teeth at Michelin-starred establishments like Le Manoir and The French at The Midland Hotel. You’re in good hands.

Of course, MAYA is neighbour to the LEVEN hotel, which takes up the three remaining floors in this great looking building.