Why this unopened swanky Newcastle cocktail bar is already celebrating - and what Manahatta will look like

The owners of new Newcastle cocktail bar c have been given reason to celebrate even before the Tyneside branch opens.

The plush New York-inspired venue is coming to the city in a vacant former bank building on Collingwood Street, despite opposition from Northumbria Police who feared another venue on Newcastle's Diamond Strip would "undoubtedly" lead to problems.

Whilst owners Arc Inspirations work on converting the site, the group were last week given cause to celebrate after posting record group sales and profits of £38.9 million and £7.5 million.

The Leeds-based group opened two flagship venues in Birmingham and Manchester last year and will open a further five before the end of 2022, which includes Newcastle. Other locations will be in Nottingham, Sheffield and two new BOX sports bars in Nottingham and Birmingham. The five new sites are expected to create a total of 500 jobs.

The group also operates the popular Banyan next to Grey's Monument - a site whose success they cited when gaining permission for the Newcastle Manahatta venture.

Cocktail-fanatics will be awaiting the opening of the North East location eagerly, with the chain known for its Instagram-ready aesthetic and American influences.

LED signs, large modern tables and long bars are also par for the course at the venues.

Co-Founder and CEO of Arc Inspirations Martin Wolstencroft said: “This was an exceptional and transformational year for our company. We started it with significant restrictions still in place during the first quarter, and we ended it by posting record sales and profits, concluding a new growth partnership with BGF, and being awarded two industry ‘Oscars’ – for best company and best operations team.

“This is a testament to our team and culture. We are now able to contemplate a year without any trading restrictions for the first time since 2019. While clearly challenges remain, the business is extremely well-positioned with a clear growth plan, an exceptional pipeline of new sites, strong customer brands and two new strategic partnerships, which when combined will enable the business to capitalise on market opportunities over the next five years.”