Manahatta

Great space, great atmosphere. The food left a little bit to be desired however, and for the price I am glad I wasn’t paying full whack and could enjoy a 50% off my meal from Arc Inspirations.
I wouldn’t go back for a meal based on the quality of the food we received, but I may consider a cocktail or two.

If you’ve not been to Leeds in a while, you’ll notice Merrion Street just got a whole lot cooler; it’s pedestrianised like we’re some cool street in Europe, the Grand Arcade has a new lease of life, and finally those empty units where Gatecrasher once was are opened anew. Around the front you’ve got the Brotherhood — not my style — and around the side you’ve got Manahatta. Now, I never actually made it into Gatecrasher (it never tempted me) but I’m going to assume it had to include what is now Manahatta’s space, as otherwise it was the smallest club in existence. (Brotherhood isn’t huge.) Anyway, that’s a digression.
As much as I don’t always dig Arc Inspirations (you have really spoiled Headingley for those who don’t like student-​carnage) I do approve of their last two efforts. I still need to actually eat at The Pit in town, but their cocktails were grand and the fit out is slick. Slick is precisely what I’d say of Manahatta — man, that place looks cool. It must have taken quite an imagination to section this gargantuan space into all the different iterations you have here.
By the cool, warehouse windows at the front you’ve the Champagne booths (my term, they can keep it) where groups of six or more can indulge away from the dancing masses. This area is predominantly blue due to their flashy neon signage. (I love neon.) To the right of this, if you’re facing the bar), is the Royal red banquet room (again, my term) which features a huge, long table — perfect for birthday parties dining before heading out. In front of the bar, on the lower level, is the peasant arena (okay, peasant is too strong but I’m getting Game of Thrones-​y) with standing tables, stools, and bar access. Lastly, should one ascend the stairs, you have the watch tower of the elite: a proper VIP-​feeling area complete with balcony where you can overlook everything else. I imagined it to have sofas, but I didn’t make it up there.
The lighting and the fixtures are exquisite. Get a load of the amazing lampshades when you go.
It was so busy and thick with students that we didn’t bother ordering cocktails, so I’m afraid I’ve not much to share there. The gin and tonic was fine, although my friend was non-​specific so I ended up with Blue Sapphire, so I guess that’s the house option. It would be my last choice, but no big deal — it was fine. They did offer, from sight, a decent gin range so I’d have to come back another time to indulge. Staff were solidly working away, so all good. Clientele would be the main let down for me – as with most Arc hangouts, this place is filled with heady, noisy, young ‘uns. I don’t mean to sound like a cronie, but that ain’t my jam.
You have to go in and check out the space. Maybe do it on a week night, when there’s less carnage, and check out their menu too — I’m gonna be back to taste it out myself.