OKitchen, Didsbury

Impressive interior includes a glass atrium and installing a spiral staircase, as well as extending at the rear. The restaurant serves Japanese and Korean food. Three distinct zones have been created so customers have a choice of areas in which to relax. The bar has a cosmopolitan feel which is aimed at professionals aged 30-plus, as well as families. Larger and a tad more upmarket than near-neighbour, Art of Tea, it is set on two levels, with tables out to the front too, and a modern open-kitchen to the rear. Decor is modern and clean with bookcase wallpaper adding a contrast to the otherwise white part-panelled interior. Bottled beers from the likes of Tickety Brew may be available in the future. For the moment it remains a keg-only zone. History: venue opened on March 18, 2013 by property developer and restaurateur Abbi Mancini who bought the former Lloyds Pharmacy in 2008. Investing £200,000 he has converted and refurbished the empty building into a wine bar and bistro. The entrepreneur, who owns Mancini Property and operates restaurants across the North West, would like to see the Lounge brand in areas such as Chorlton and Heaton Moor. Became OKitchen in Dec 2017.