Firefly. They really do come alive at night.
FOODWELL smashed with full speed into Manchester’s culinary scene earlier this year and they’re showing no signs of slowing down. Following its huge success, FOODWELL has launched a new concept, Firefly, and we were lucky enough to attend the VIP opening night.
Foodwell offers a relaxing, vibrant space for a bite to eat, however, if you’re on the go and pushed for time you can also visit their Deli bar. If you have some more time to spare though, they do have sit down menus too. Breakfast, lunch, brunch? To top it off, you can even sign up for a yoga class after your bowl of caramel granola! Full menus available on their website.
Firefly by Night
The night is when the fireflies come out to play and they do it with such elegance and style too. The staff were all so friendly, warm and not to mention gorgeous… The harsh lighting given by the deli refrigerators is no more. In fact, the fridges were completely removed from the space. Lighting in a venue, in our eyes, is everything. Get the lighting wrong and the whole vibe can be thrown off so we really appreciated the efforts taken to get this just right.
Firefly has taken inspiration from LA and this doesn’t just apply to the fresh, sleek decor. While you’re moving from spot to spot (taking lots of selfies as this place is littered with Instagrammable moments) you’re treated to some great music which just adds to the Californian vibe they’re going for. We could hear each other when we needed to talk, but couldn’t hear ourself sing. The perfect combination.
Once we were past the gatekeeper with the list of names you were greeted with all sorts of influencers, celebrities and PR folk exploring their new watering hole. It wasn’t difficult to see why everyone wanted to be here though. Following the rave reviews of Foodwell, we couldn’t wait to tuck into some of the canapés that were floating around.
As soon as the platters appeared with food on it, the crowds descended and the staff were set upon like a lamb to the slaughter, yet handling the hoards of people with the utmost professionalism. We did manage a couple of bites. The halloumi fries. My lord. Not so much a ‘chip’, more like a huge halloumi goujon. Salty, crisp on the outside and light on the inside. They could even rival my favourite ever halloumi bites from my favourite Greek restaurant.
Drinks
Beyond the little tapas dishes of loveliness, you can treat yourself to one of the many innovative cocktails on offer from the classic Espresso Martini all the way through to the more inventive cocktails. ‘Firefly’ (Ketel One Midsummers cordial, blood orange purée and grapefruit bitters). ‘Glow up’ Tanqueray gin, Barsol pisco and herb and earth shrub. If you are a little more adventurous they will serve you a work of art; The firefly tree.
Our Verdict
It’s clear to see that the Foodwell/Firefly team know what they’re doing and have a clear concept and vision. I have no doubt in my mind when I say that they are here to stay and rival the best bars Manchester has to offer.
While we may have hung up our dancing shoes a little while ago we would love nothing more than to grab the girls and take them for a night of Californian tapas and cocktails. It’s highly likely we will need to go back for brunch with Bloody Marys all around the next day.
Lost in Cheshire
