You’ve got to love a transformation, and this one is a biggy. Libertine, a new restaurant and bar housed within one of the grandest landmark sites in Withington is set to open this August, offering a place where guests can eat well, drink well, soak up the atmosphere and listen to good music.
Located in the old District Bank building on Wilmslow Road, the grand stone Grade II* listed building is adorned with decoration, including a finely carved frieze and balustrade parapet wall at roof level. Plus, a number of beautiful original features have been unearthed and lovingly restored to the venue, so that they now play among the wooden tables and rustic décor of the restaurant and bar.
Brought back to life by the team behind Cottonopolis and Edinburgh Castle in Ancoats, Libertine aims to incorporate a restaurant, bar and music space that shifts with the seasons, while also celebrating contemporary, ingredient-focused cooking with an underlying global accent. Open from August 12, Libertine describes itself as “an all-day eatery with a community focus”, offering something for everyone; from small plates to brunch and homely Sunday roasts.
There will also be a focus on live-fire cooking, using charcoal and wood to showcase the very best of simple yet creative dishes – allowing vegetables to take centre stage, while meat and fish take a supporting role. For drinks there will be a big focus on beer, with 20 keg lines and four cask lines on offer. The Libertine cocktail list will include classic drinks alongside some delicious signature offerings created by the team.
Nick Muir, director of Libertine, said: “Myself, Hayley and the team hope to be a welcome addition to Withington. Libertine is a prominent building in the village, much-loved by the locals. With considerate attention to detail, we hope to have done justice to this beautiful building. In creating a warm and welcoming space for all to enjoy, we will bring both quality and comfort, with a stylish twist on a traditional setting and exceptional standards.”
Once fully open, Libertine will be open to the public 12pm – 11pm daily. On Friday 12th August, Libertine in Withington will open from 12pm for drinks followed by an evening service from 5pm-9pm. On Saturday, guests can enjoy drinks all day, brunch from 12pm-3pm and an dinner from 4pm-9pm and on Sunday, roasts will be served from 12pm-8pm with drinks available all day. Book a table here.
Libertine, 437 Wilmslow Road, M20 4AN