"People often comment on how far away from the City they feel once they enter the glass pyramid that stands on Deansgate"

Manchester Food and Drink Festival is right around the corner, culminating as always in the annual MFDF Awards. As sponsors of this year's Bar of the Year award, DesignMyNight caught up with all of the award nominees to find out why they should get your vote. Next up is Spinningfields restaurant bar, Australasia. 

Name & occupation: Laura Bamber, GM

Name of bar: Australasia

Sum up your bar in three words:

Laid back, diverse, stylish.

Ok, now tell us a little bit more about it:

We have become a well established part of the Manchester bar scene over the last couple of years and still firmly believe that a night out in a bar should be an experience rather than just out for a drink. Our bar tenders have a passion for their trade and are happy for any opportunity to play around with the wide variety of spirits and ingredients on the bar to create something unique for you.

How long have you been open, and how has the bar changed in that time?

We have been open for almost two and a half years and have recently extended our bar space up to ground level and created a pacific colonial style hide away in the form of our Grand Pacific Bar & Garden. Here you will find new signature cocktails as well as our existing range of cocktails and spirits in a more laid back and informal setting.

What aspect of your bar are you most proud of?

Although we are a large well established bar we have many regular and loyal guests that we consider to be part of the Australasia family. We hope that this is due to the welcome and relaxed atmosphere that feels like a third home.

What do you think makes your bar unique?

Although we are situated in the heart of Manchester people often comment on how far away from the City they feel once they enter the glass pyramid that stands on Deansgate. We believe that the décor, staff and laid back vibe can transport you to somewhere far away... down under!

What’s your signature drink?

The Rose and Lychee Martini is our signature cocktail and by far our most popular drink. It encapsulates what Australasia is all about, elegant and beautiful yet simplistic.

What makes a great bar in your opinion?

We believe that a combination of a great atmosphere, attentive service and well made drinks is the key to a successful bar.

What would it mean to you to win this award?

It would mean a huge amount to the whole team if we were to win. It would be amazing after two and a half years of love and dedication to be considered for this award and would back up the phrase that hard work really does pay off.

Why should people vote for you?

The hard work doesn’t stop here, we will continue to create and design new drinks to keep the Australasia experience fresh and exciting. We hope that anyone who has spent time with us feels that we are worthy of their vote.

See all MFDF Bar of the Year nominees