Fun, affordable and stylish, Manahatta brings a touch of New York to Yorkshire.
Having recently undergone refurbishment, Manahatta’s stylish bar has had a refresh, and the outside area has also been redesigned, heaters and umbrellas added, so that food and drinks can be enjoyed regardless of the weather.
The staff could not have been more attentive – from the minute we walked in, it felt like they couldn’t do enough. We had welcome drinks and then we ordered a couple of cocktails from their 2 for £15 menu, which is available from Sunday to Friday. I’m used to paying this price for one cocktail at most bars – and the drinks were gorgeous. I tried their espresso martini, the mango colada and my friend had the berry rouge spritz. The drinks came quickly (we ordered them to the table), but there were people ordering drinks at the bar and chatting away to friends and staff. The atmosphere was incredible.
The DJ played old school tunes and more modern songs, so that guests of all ages could have a dance and a singalong. I saw people there celebrating birthdays and a hen do. The design and the ambience really honoured the New York vibes – I felt like I was in a scene from Sex and the City, sipping stylish cocktails and sparking up conversation easily with the people at tables next to me. I really like that the tables were far enough away from each other that you have your privacy, but it’s super easy to get talking to those around you. Definitely something we need more of nowadays!
Manahatta has the stylish, quirky design, but the price of food and drinks were so affordable. Their ‘Out of Office’ meal deal is priced at £9, and includes a main and a drink. On Fridays, the drinks prices fluctuate like the stock market – you can join for the ‘Stocks on the Rocks’ themed happy hour, where the bar is transformed into a live stock market and the prices rise and fall based on demand, which is such a fun idea, and ties back in with the New York theme.
As well as this, Manahatta offers a student bottomless brunch, themed karaoke packages as well as private and corporate event packages.
About halfway through the evening, we ordered our food platter, and this didn’t disappoint either. We tried canape-style burgers, sandwiches and tacos. Their everyday menu ties in with the American theme, but there is something for everyone. I’m a vegetarian and I was so impressed with the food – I didn’t feel like I was missing out at all, as the dishes were all kept the same, but the meat was swapped for delicious plant-based options.
With Manahatta’s impressive standards of food, drink and service, I certainly will be going back with friends the next time the plans make it out of the group chat!
https://www.manahatta.co.uk/bars/leeds-greek-street
Photography by Shania Gaddu.
