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
"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"
"Pre theatre supper. All the old C&K signifiers are there - the delicious bread and butter, attentive and friendly staff. But the decor is ludicrously opulent and the prices reflect this. As you would expect the fish is cooked perfectly, but not too many options for the non fish eater in the group. One member of the party went down with a tummy bug that night. Leave this to the crowd with more money than sense."
"An odd place. Food was ok a nice haddock and chips and a tasty clam chowder albeit light on clams. But the design downstairs was reminiscent of a 1970s holiday camp - plaster shells and Neptunes. Service was simply incompetent. The unused upstairs area seemed much nicer. Not too pricey however."
"Excellent seafood in a nautical version of the Delaunay from the same team, with the same lovely staff and attention to detail "
1 Bateman's Buildings, London, W1D 3EN
Opening hours
| Monday | 11:30 am‑11 pm |
| Tuesday | 11:30 am‑11 pm |
| Wednesday | 11:30 am‑11 pm |
| Thursday | 11:30 am‑11 pm |
| Friday | 11:30 am‑11 pm |
| Saturday | 11:30 am‑11 pm |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
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