Harden's says
Opened in summer 2023 after years of pandemic-induced delay, this Soho seafood specialist (named after a much-loved 20th-century original) over two storeys of the Bateman's Buildings, between Greek and Frith Streets, is the first major opening from the Wolseley Hospitality Group since it was acquired (and renamed) from ace London restaurateurs Corbin & King last year.
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Summary
Few openings are as long anticipated as this resurrection of a long-defunct, once-famous seafood destination. Conceived when its owning company was still run by Jeremy King and Christopher Corbin, the final debut is the first major test of the ability of its successor, The Wolseley Group, to launch a new site. The business that forms the inspiration for this debut was in Chinatown, just off Leicester Square, and shuttered in the early 1990s. This revivified version is in ‘Bateman’s Buildings’, tucked between Soho’s Greek and Frith Streets. Set over two floors, it’s an all-day operation with a large outdoor terrace. Dishes encompass everything from moules marinière to a wide range of crustacea, a ‘catch of the day’ and a classic Dover sole.
Summary
This long-planned and long pandemic-delayed Soho seafood restaurant may be delayed still further by the management changes at Corbin & King, now renamed as The Wolseley Hospitality Group. It is envisaged as a ‘fun and affordable’ venue along the lines of stablemate Brasserie Zédel. But – in the absence of Jeremy King and Chris Corbin – who will now provide the vision for recreating the original Manzi’s, which was, for decades, a treasured standby for theatregoers on the south corner of Chinatown?
Summary
Remember the original Manzi’s on a corner south of Chinatown? You’re definitely dating yourself. Nearby (if not quite on exactly the same site) the great Corbin & King are launching this homage to the original. The aim is to be ‘fun and affordable’ like Brasserie Zédel with something of a 1940s vibe. That hits the rose-tinted remembrances of the original, which – for ages – was one of London’s great post-theatre rendezvous.
Summary
Originally slated to open in mid-2020, an homage to the late, great Manzi's from uber-restaurateurs Corbin & King; it's not on exactly the same site, but will be a fishy paradise all the same, and will be “fun and affordable” like Brasserie Zedel. The project still looks like it will happen, but its timing given the pandemic is uncertain.
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Have you eaten at Manzi's?
1 Bateman's Buildings, London, W1D 3EN
Restaurant details
Manzi's Restaurant Diner Reviews
"There was definitely more meat on the menu which disappointed me but still plenty of fish to choose from. Started with a tasty sardine bruschetta and followed with a hake fillet which was delicious. Ended with a very, good butter almond tart and finally a lovely pot of coffee which was a least three cups. I would enjoy my visits more with a more of an atmosphere but the food was faultless."
"Although the menu has changed since our first visit and now offers some attractive priced menus the quality of the cooking has unfortunately not improved!"
"Very disappointing visit. So few people eating that the place felt empty. Service was lacklustre and the quality of the food was indifferent. The bill was substantial, by contrast "
"At one time the old Manzi's would have been one of my favourites. The new one certainly doesn't bare any resemblance to the old establishment. Once inside you could believe you were in Florida. It's all glitz and sparkling new. Blue and gold seem to dominate. The menu was exactly what you expected and the three course fixed price menu excellent value. My clam chowder, followed by mackerel, and peach melba were all very good. It felt that the staff were getting to know the place just like we were but they did try hard. Not great but worth another visit."
"Reasonable food just not quite on the mark Very good service"
1 Bateman's Buildings, London, W1D 3EN
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