Celebrity chef Raymond Blanc was on hand to officially open his latest restaurant in Hale Barns last night.
Brasserie Blanc Hale Barns, which is located within the recently refurbished Marriott Manchester Airport hotel, is only the chain’s second restaurant in the North West after Knutsford.
It promises “home-cooked French food with a contemporary international twist”, with dishes including lamb tagine, grilled cod with preserved lemon and squid ink risotto, free-range Cornish beef burger with fries or Comté cheese, potted Cromer crab and moules mariniere.
Last night’s launch was attended by the likes of Ampika Pickston and Leanne Brown from the Real Housewives of Cheshire, Julia Goulding and Hayley Tamaddon from Coronation Street, Hollyoaks’ David Tag and Sarah Jayne Dunn, and TV presenter Jenny Powell.
Guests enjoyed drinks and canapes amid the stunning glass atrium, brass bar and pergola terrace.
“Manchester is a city that I am very fond of – such a cultural beacon of music, and the arts and fantastic, friendly people,” Blanc said.
“We hope the new Brasserie Blanc will become a firm favourite, not just with those jetting off on holidays but also, most importantly, with the local community too.
“We have the most stunning bar that will be open all day and, of course, we will be serving delicious home-cooked French food. Some dishes will even have a contemporary international twist inspired by my travels.
“So come along and see us in Hale Barns – we can’t wait to welcome you to a little bit of France in Manchester!”
Pictures from last night’s launch: