Housed in one of the city’s most stunning conversions, Ducie Street Warehouse feels like it’s finally come into its own. The space first opened in 2019 under the Cultureplex brand. It felt almost too new then, with its in-house cinema, Blok gym, sprawling, modernist cafe-bar, skylights and restaurant.

Could one place really be so many different things at the same time? Well, the pandemic has shown us that spaces can be what you want them to be. And with that, the restaurant ‘part’ of Ducie Street Warehouse (and cafe, bar, gym and everything else) has found its feet.

The gorgeousness of the space was never in any doubt. Think presidential Italian modernism; low seating, hushed lights, art-gallery-esque windows, and a retro airport vibe. This vintage-inspired space now serves a menu of dishes that you’ll want to eat, day or night. And in the name of research, we tried as much as we could.

We had padron peppers, and crisp vegan cauliflower ‘wings’, ribeye with peppercorn sauce and turkey parmigiana. Espresso Martini tiramisu and mejool date sticky toffee slice with miso butterscotch and chai seed ice cream were both uplifting twists on old favourites while drinks such as Pisco Sour, Espresso Martini and the house Malbec are joyful companions.

The only thing that didn’t 100% work was the steak which struggled to compete with the sauce. That said, there’s no denying the dotty, peppercorn presentation is a retro treat.

While the vibe is distinctly upmarket, the open plan space makes DSW feel like a restaurant for any occasion and their new kids and brunch menus means the whole family can enjoy themselves too. If I could sum DSW up it would be elegant, classy and cool – the kind of place that I used to dream Manchester might one day have. And now it does.