Permanently Unique changed the Manchester restaurant landscape when the company launched Tattu back in 2015. Then they did it again with the opening of Fenix in 2023. Now their latest concept is shaking things up once more, but in a very different way. Hiding in plain sight behind red velvet curtains, discouraging photography and social media shares, Louis is all about transporting diners back to another era, long before Insta was used to sell food and people were more focused on capturing moments for future posts than actually experiencing them. An age of sophisticated glamour, timeless music and genuinely authentic food.
Once again the company is working with celebrated chef Zsis Giannouras — the man who helped put Fenix on the map after stints at the Michelin-starred Hytra and several other European gastronomic institutions. At Louis, he’s created an Italian-American style menu with soul at its heart, dishes steeped in culinary heritage then elevated through the use of specialist ingredients hand-chosen for their quality. Like Iberia meatballs in marinara sauce, green lip breaded mussels, Osso Buco alla Milanes, and Caesar from scratch. And, of course, all pasta is made on site.
Will Meredith, Head of Beverage, has curated a cocktail menu of exclusive creations, like the Bloody Maria, a statement take on the Manhattan, and PB&J (yep, that’s peanut butter and jelly) Old Fashioned. Still not done, you don’t just eat at Louis, you immerse yourself in it. All tables offer the best seat in the house to catch performances on the elegant stage. Opening Thursday, Friday and Saturday only, each night sees singers and live bands captivate audiences, with a soundtrack centred on soul, blues, jazz, and swing. Proving that you really can’t touch the classics, all this is before we mention the incredible artwork adorning the walls, positioning this place as a gallery, and anything other than just another eatery.