News Beat
I tried new tasting menu at Gordon Ramsay’s Lucky Cat in Manchester
Set within the former bank at 100 King Street, a striking Grade II-listed building, it has become an instant hit since arriving in the city, following the success of its sister site in Mayfair.
While the London branch has already drawn praise from the Michelin Guide, the North West alternative strikes its own tone, pairing a banging soundtrack with interiors inspired by the drinking dens of 1930s Tokyo.
The latest offering, titled Lucky Editions, is designed to give diners a more accessible route into a tasting-menu experience.
It showcases the techniques that have helped Japanese cuisine earn its reputation for refinement – meticulous knife work, bold flavours and elegant presentation – while encouraging a more sociable style of eating, with small plates made for sharing and conversation.
Structured as a progression, the course begins with a raw dish, then fried, followed by a grilled dish, and finally a dessert.
Raw options included vegetable Maki, salmon abri maki, tomato salad, papaya salad and yellowtail tartare.
While sushi might seem the obvious first choice, the salmon stood out in particular – lightly blow-torched on top and finished with a traditional Japanese sauce and green chilli for warmth and depth.
Gordon Ramsay previously said of his restaurant: “I’ve toured and worked in much of Asia over the years, and the culture, the flavours, and the incredible cooking truly inspire me.
“Lucky Cat is more than just a restaurant; it’s an extraordinary encounter. We’re ready to dazzle Manchester’s vibrant culinary scene with a gastronomic spectacle that will leave you craving more!”
Sitting at the bar afterwards offered a close-up view of the chef’s expert knife skills, a pit stop that provided both theatre and a reminder of the technical cooking that continues to draw diners through Lucky Cat’s doors.
But the highlight of the opening course was the yellowtail tartare, a refreshing dish with an immaculate depth of flavour created by the yuzu. Caviar can be added for an additional £5.
Fried options include Gordon’s Fried Chicken, vegetable tempura, salt and vinegar baby squid, tofu, spicy avocado bao bun, sweet and sour prawns and a bonito fried duck leg bao can be added for an additional £15.
The crispy squid was tangy, crisp and fragrant, and was topped off beautifully with a lime citrus kick.
But the standout of the entire meal, and a dish worth visiting for alone, was the sweet-and-sour prawns. A familiar takeaway classic across the country, this rendition elevated it to another level altogether. Juicy king prawns were encased in a crisp batter and coated in a carefully balanced sauce – refined, delicate and intensely flavoursome.
On the grill, familiar favourites including baby chicken, sea bream, smoked BBQ aubergine and flat iron steak were all on offer, with Korean black cod available as a £30 supplement and Japanese Wagyu for an additional £65.
A popular choice with regulars at Lucky Cat is the flat iron steak with Thai chimichurri, and it is easy to see why. Perfectly cooked and underpinned by the quality of the British beef on show, it was lifted further by a vibrant, herb-packed sauce that tied the dish together neatly.
Throughout the meal, an array of drinks arrived at the table, each offering a playful twist on Asian-inspired classics and carefully introduced by the knowledgeable waiting staff.
The Polynesian Punch and Ureshii were both well worth trying – even for those simply popping in for a drink – with guests encouraged to perch at the bar and soak up the atmosphere while sampling a couple of cocktails.
For dessert, there are options of chocolate truffles, one caramel, one banana, one rum, or mochi, one coconut, one mango and one strawberry. A “lucky lolly” is also available.
The mochi were certainly a highlight, and a refreshing end to a truly delicious meal.
Lucky Edition is currently available and is priced at £55 per head.
