The Rebirth of a Manchester Icon: Inside the Glamour of GiGi Gusto Griglia

Manchester’s hospitality landscape has witnessed a seismic shift this month with the grand unveiling of GiGi Gusto Griglia. Located within the historic walls of the former City library on Deansgate—a striking architectural monument dating back to 1878—the venue represents a sophisticated evolution of the landmark Gusto restaurant. By blending the heritage of one of the city’s most storied buildings with the decadent energy of Italy’s mid-century golden age, GiGi has positioned itself as the new benchmark for immersive dining in the North West.

The Vision: A New Chapter for Deansgate

At its core, GiGi Gusto Griglia is an ambitious reimagining of a brand that has long held a place in the hearts of Mancunians. While the name pays homage to its predecessor, the experience is entirely transformed. The concept is rooted in the "classic and simple yet elevated" philosophy, focusing on high-quality ingredients prepared over open flames, served alongside an expertly curated cocktail programme, and soundtracked by the city’s finest musical talent.

The project is the brainchild of veteran restaurateur Jamie Barber. Known for his work with Hush Mayfair, Villandry, and as an investor on Netflix’s My Million Pound Menu, Barber’s entry into the Manchester market is marked by a clear, personal ambition. "I wanted, quite selfishly, to build a restaurant I want to go to," Barber explains. "Somewhere I can sip a proper Negroni, share handmade pasta and pizzette, listen to great music, and finish with a well-rested piece of rare-breed steak."

Chronology: From Historic Library to Modern Culinary Stage

The site itself is a character in the story. Built in 1878, the former City library on Deansgate has served various functions throughout the decades, but its transformation into GiGi is arguably its most glamorous iteration yet.

The development phase spanned over a year, during which Barber and his team sought to honor the building’s structural significance while introducing a layer of lavish, timeless interior design. To achieve this, the team enlisted the services of renowned designer Russell Sage, whose portfolio includes heavy hitters like Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant group and The Savoy. The result is a space that feels both historic and cutting-edge, featuring opulent finishes that reflect the glamour of 1950s and 60s Italy.

The collaborative effort behind the scenes involved some of Manchester’s most respected creative minds. The concept team Want Studios worked closely with the developers to craft an entertainment and bar programme that would ensure guests are encouraged to linger long after their final course.

The Culinary Engine: Chef Sam Astley-Dean

No amount of interior grandeur can compensate for a lack of culinary substance, and in this regard, GiGi has secured one of the city’s most promising talents. The kitchen is led by Sam Astley-Dean, a chef whose pedigree includes stints at highly respected establishments such as Onda and Lina Stores.

Astley-Dean’s approach to the menu is an exercise in restraint and quality. By stripping away unnecessary complexity, the focus remains squarely on the provenance of ingredients. The grill room aspect of the venue is the star of the show; rare-breed steaks, fire-kissed vegetables, and authentic Italian staples are designed to appeal to both the casual diner and the food critic alike. The menu is structured to be social, emphasizing sharing, conviviality, and the simple pleasure of a well-prepared meal.

Supporting Data: The ‘Bar Eleganza’ and the House of Negroni

Perhaps the most significant differentiator for GiGi is its dual-purpose identity as a dining room and a world-class cocktail bar. Central to this is "Bar Eleganza," a grand, centralized bar that serves as the heart of the venue.

In a bold move for the local market, the bar is home to the city’s first "House of Negroni." This specialty focus extends to a comprehensive selection of Martinis and Sgroppinos, complemented by a meticulously curated wine list. The beverage programme has been developed by Errant, the Manchester-based libation specialists famous for their work at the award-winning bar, Stray.

For those seeking an air of mystery, the venue offers a secret speakeasy entrance on Jackson’s Row. This intentional design choice mirrors the hotel-bar culture of mid-century Rome or Milan, where the transition from the bustling street into the sanctuary of the bar is part of the allure.

Musicality: A Soundtrack for the City

GiGi Gusto Griglia distinguishes itself further through its commitment to live music. The venue features a classic baby grand piano, a centrepiece that bridges the gap between a traditional hotel lounge and a contemporary social club. The musical direction is not merely background noise; it is a curated soundtrack performed by Manchester’s top musicians and DJs.

"Every part of GiGi is designed around the pleasure of eating, drinking and staying out," says Barber. By integrating live performance directly into the dining room, the venue ensures that the atmosphere shifts dynamically throughout the evening, moving from a refined dinner setting to a vibrant, late-night destination.

Official Response and Philosophy

The sentiment from the ownership group is one of continuity blended with disruption. When asked about the transition from the original Gusto, Jamie Barber was clear about the intent: "We have huge respect for where Gusto came from and the people who grew up with it. GiGi is the next step on. More glamorous, more ambitious, and a proper night out."

This ambition is echoed in the management’s decision to prioritize "staying power." In an era where many restaurants focus on quick turnovers and high-volume seatings, GiGi is designed to keep patrons within its walls for the duration of their evening—from the first aperitivo to the final digestivo.

Implications for the Manchester Hospitality Scene

The opening of GiGi Gusto Griglia has wider implications for the Manchester dining scene. As the city continues to attract high-end operators, the demand for "experience-led" dining has reached a fever pitch. GiGi addresses this by providing a holistic environment where architecture, mixology, gastronomy, and live performance are given equal weight.

1. The Rise of the ‘Destination’ Venue: GiGi signals a move away from hyper-specialized, small-plate dining back toward the classic, full-service restaurant model, albeit one with modern, high-energy influences.
2. Heritage Repurposing: By successfully operating within an 1878 landmark, the project proves that Manchester’s historic infrastructure can be adapted for modern hospitality without losing its soul.
3. Elevated Nightlife: The collaboration with Errant and the introduction of a dedicated "House of Negroni" raises the bar for what is expected from a restaurant cocktail list in the UK’s second city.

Conclusion: A New Standard

GiGi Gusto Griglia is more than just a restaurant; it is a manifesto for the modern Manchester night out. By weaving together the history of the Deansgate library, the culinary expertise of Sam Astley-Dean, the mixology prowess of Errant, and the design vision of Russell Sage, Jamie Barber has created a venue that feels both nostalgic and vital.

As Manchester’s culinary reputation continues to grow on the international stage, venues like GiGi provide the necessary infrastructure for a sophisticated dining culture. For those seeking the glamour of the Italian golden age delivered with a distinctly Mancunian edge, the doors at the former City library are now open, promising a night of fire, flavor, and rhythm that is unlikely to be forgotten.