So, where are we meeting tonight? Manzi's!

So, where are we meeting tonight? Manzi’s perhaps the most exciting new(ish) restaurant in London… though we’re only here for the drinks. You could come back another time though…

The fit‑out draws on mid‑century kitsch, with nautical motifs, stylised mermaids and mermen, depictions of sea life and a mural reportedly inspired by Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea. The colour scheme centres on blues, greens and white.

Aiming to recapture a mid‑century, convivial dining style while updating classic dishes for a contemporary London audience, Manzi’s, which occupies two floors of Bateman’s Buildings, brings a fish- and seafood‑led menu to the neighbourhood. The menu pairs traditional dishes , described by the operator as ‘acclaimed fish classics and retro favourites’ , with more modern preparations. Roast scallops, Loch Duart salmon, ceviche of sea bream and a cioppino fish stew. Desserts reference nostalgic items such as Peach Melba and Black Forest gateau, and a cocktail list combines vintage serves, billed as Retros Revisited, with a contemporary signatures selection.

Manzi’s is operated by The Wolseley Hospitality Group, the company behind Brasserie Zédel, The Delaunay and The Wolseley. The group has expanded its portfolio over the past decade with several high‑profile central London openings that blend grand European brasserie style with contemporary concepts.

Soho has long been fertile ground for themed and seafood restaurants; Manzi’s opening follows a broader trend among city restaurateurs of reviving retro dishes and cocktails with modern touches. The restaurant’s location in Bateman’s Buildings places it close to the area’s theatres and nightlife, potentially appealing to both pre‑theatre diners and visitors seeking a casual, lively dining experience.

Tonight, we will be taking over the main floor for drinks with the friendliest gay men in all London. Buy tickets from jakeldn.com.