Manchester is a haven for Asian cuisine and it’s not likely to stop any time soon as a new, luxury Japanese restaurant has set its sights on the city, and in a very prime location. Opening this autumn on Manchester’s Bridge Street, MUSU aims to set itself apart by bringing “a new breed of restaurant that offers both the pinnacle of fine dining and a totally immersive experience”.
The Japanese word MUSU translates as “infinite possibilities”, something that the restaurant hopes to encapsulate in every aspect of the venue, from its menus to its interiors. Each element of MUSU has been meticulously thought through, starting with its contemporary interpretation of Japanese dishes.
Headed up by Michael Shaw, formerly of Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, the chef patron has spent the last 18 months honing his passion for Japanese cuisine, with all the precision, skill and flavour that entails. The result is an exquisite tasting menu concept designed to deliver a multi-sensory dining experience featuring the likes of A5 grade wagyu beef and sustainable blue fin tuna.
Divided into three sections, Sentaku allows guests to choose their dishes from each section of the menu to suit their own personal taste preferences, while Kaiseki is a set menu curated by Michael Shaw that comprises seven and eleven course options which together provide the guest with a balanced choice through the seasonal menu.
Finally, there is Omakase, which means entrusting the chef to create the perfect menu. At MUSU this translates into a theatrical and educational sushi experience, and is currently “the only true one of its kind outside London”. Served to guests at the six seat Omakase counter, this is presided over by Head Sushi Chef, Andre Aguiar, himself trained by renowned Japanese Sushi Master Yugo Kato.
Complementing the food and drink offerings at MUSU, the entire space follows the clean lines and precision associated with Japanese design. MUSU’s luxurious interiors feature bespoke Italian furniture, subtle, soft mood lighting and bespoke Geisha wall designs, complimenting the skill and creativity taking place in the kitchen.
For smaller parties, MUSU’s private dining room accommodates up to 14 guests and can be completely separate or adjoined from the main dining room. Separated by a glazed telescopic wall, the latter can be frosted at the touch of a button to deliver total privacy.
MUSU’s exceptional design also incorporates the ability to transition into a late-night experience at weekends, replicating the Japanese after-dinner tradition of ‘Nijiki’. The venue has a full theatre production setup, while the booth tables can “transform” into cocktail-style tables, thereby creating an environment focused on late night entertainment rather than formal dining.
Offering Manchester somewhere totally unique in which to eat, drink and socialise, MUSU’s objective is to truly be a venue of “infinite possibilities”.
MUSU opens on November 18 and can be found at 64 Bridge Street, M3 3BN.