Smoak Launch Event Pictures And Oysters

THE OPENING event of Smoak in Malmaison recently was a sparkling event full of beautiful people, beautiful oysters and gorgeous meat.

Guests at the event included Linford Christie who’d run all the way from Piccadilly Station to get there on time but ended up early

Confidential’s Sleuth (click here) was out and about hoovering up wine and food in equal measure. Occasionally he broke into chat too, although usually with his mouth full and always with an oyster or three in his specially-adapted seafood trouser pockets.

Smoak is the new mad maverick smash hit on the Manchester dining scene (click here) complete with booths, American diner bar, a posh side room called Ember and an open display of edible flesh plus a petrol pump from a US garage circa 1956. Maverick, see.

Thinking of the meat cabinet makes Sleuth’s mouth water.

Guests at the event included Linford Christie, who’d run all the way from Piccadilly Station to get there on time but ended up early; Sir Alex Ferguson, who managers a locally-based sporting organisation, and a lady called Brooke Vincent who Sleuth didn’t recognise. Apparently she plays Sophie Webster in Coronation Street, a locally-based soap opera.

Sleuth also bumped into radio presenter and writer Stuart Maconie and was so enthusiastic with his opinions he’s definitely off the Christmas card list. Music came via Kristyna Myles and others.

The food and drink was a real high point with a vast wall of oysters, loads of lush fillet steak, an Eden Project of salad, a table of quality red wine, a huge communal Baked Alaska and some no-calorie cocktails topped with a meringue sort of thing.

For a food lover it was a wet dream, and symbolic of the whole-hearted, refreshingly exuberant approach of Smoak. 

Sleuth left a happy man but was told off in the taxi home by the driver.

"I don't normally allow people to eat oysters in my taxi but as long as you take your shells out with you then I'll let it pass."

Sleuth didn't hear, he'd fallen asleep a happy man. 

Smoak Bar and Grill is at The Malmaison Hotel, Piccadilly, City, M1 1LZ, 0161 278 1000.