The celebhaunt restaurant was first opened in 2011 by Living Ventures, and last year was taken on by new owners who refurbished the restaurant
Australasia bar and restaurant on Spinningfields(Image: Manchester Evening News)
It was one of the first venues to open in the Spinningfields district of Manchester city centre, quickly becoming known for its well-heeled clientele and celebrity names. Now, one of Manchester’s most well-known nightlife spots is entering a ‘new era’.
After reports that it has been closed for a ‘couple of weeks’, the team who now run the restaurant, alongside Mexican concept restaurant Ocasa at the neighbouring former Sunset bar, have issued a statement to say it is ‘temporarily closed’ for refurbishment.
In a statement provided to the Manchester Evening News about its closure, a spokesperson for the restaurant and bar said: “I can confirm that kitchen refurbishment works have started in Australasia and we have temporarily closed for a few days until the work is completed.”
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On social media, the brand cleared up any rumours suggesting it was closed with an update about its future too. It wrote: “Everything’s changed, but the name didn’t have to. New food. New sound. New rules…Music up! Welcome to your new era of Australasia.”
Rising from the ground in front of Spinningfields, Australasia laid the ground for what was to come at the quickly developing restaurant and bar district just off of Deansgate. The restaurant was a personal passion project from Living Ventures boss Tim Bacon – inspired by his Australian homeland.
It quickly went onto become one Manchester’s must-visit luxury restaurants, and a hotspot for residents and visiting celebrities, playing a key role in making Spinningfields the food and drink destination it still is today.
Last year, it was taken over by entrepreneur Christian Coates and his Orka Koncepts company who are also behind the neighbouring Dear Sailor bar. Christian started his own hospitality career at Living Ventures, which was known for restaurant bar brands including Gusto Italian, The Living Room and The Alchemist, amongst others.
Christian acquired both Australasia and Sunset Bar – now Ocasa – from Living Ventures, as well as Grand Pacific on Spring Gardens, as part of the takeover deal.
With a new team behind it, last April, the restaurant also went under a slight rebrand featuring all-new cream furniture and large glove wicker lighting, along with whitewashed furnishings and comfy seating.
They also added a white baby grand piano and candles for a pianist and singers through the week, as well as a DJ on late nights at the weekend.
The kitchen was also revamped to include new grills for the new menu from Head Chef Lucie Sainerova, with a focus on open flame cooking and sharing plates. New menus at the time centred on bringing the vibrant flavours of the Pacific Rim with a focus on open-flame cooking and sharing plates.
Explaining the decision to take on the new venues, Christian told the M.E.N at the time: “The timing was really right for us. Sexy Fish opening last year overshadowed this place a bit at the time, but now it’s the right time to come back – and have the opportunity to show our quality and authenticity.”
A specific opening date has not been confirmed but a spokesperson for Australasia has said that it should be open in the coming weeks.
