First Street Bar and Kitchen

Melia hotels have partnered up with Gino D’Acampo at First Street Bar and Kitchen, so although it doesn’t advertise itself as an Italian restaurant, it’s largely Italian food and drinks you’ll find here.

The menu focuses on salads, pasta dishes, grills and seafood with typical options such as fettuccine with king prawns, rocket, cherry tomato and basil, and sea bass with Italian salsa and lemon. No pizzas; they probably thought there were plenty of places for that in Manchester already.

It’s a hotel restaurant so breakfast is a big thing with all the buffet and Full English favourites served. It’s a lovely place to begin your day whether you’re staying there or not: the light-filled space is hung with plants and art, and dotted with colourful velvet chairs. There’s also a large terrace at the front that catches the sun.

Coffee and lunch keep it busy during the day, then at night, the central copper island bar is a focus point. Head here for live DJs and a speciality spritzer menu. Try the Pino Spritz; a blend of Prosecco Primo, Fiori Di Sambuco and Fever-Tree soda, garnished with mint leaves and lime.