Manto tempts Soho with Paul Astill refit

Manchester-based restaurant and bar company Manto Group is launching its first London venture next month, following the success of its first two venues in the north.

Manto Soho, situated in the heart of central London, will be a three-floor bar and restaurant environment for up to 570 people. It is being designed by Manchester interiors specialist Paul Astill Design Consultants.

The consultancy also developed the interiors for the first two sites – Manto and Manto Trafford Centre – which were established in 1990 and 1998 respectively. The branding and graphics are being created by Manto’s in-house design team.

Paul Astill Design Consultants managing director Paul Astill says the new London venue in Old Compton Street will differ significantly from the existing locations in the north.

“Manto Soho will be a bit different from the two Manchester venues as it will be quite minimal. The site is long and thin, so we have twisted it at an eight degree angle. The basement is dark, moody and intimate with an old club feel, the ground floor is a bar and the first floor will be a restaurant serving food during the day and a dance area at night.”