The top end of Burton Road keeps popping up with new surprises. Withington Baths has gone from strength to strength over the last couple of years – with the addition of a sauna and Withy Works on the top floor to name but two. If you carry on up the road, you get to the wonderful Withington Public Hall, and from there you’re into Withington Village itself.

I really don’t go often enough and hadn’t realised how many new places have been added. There is colourful artwork all around and some great vegetarian options. So, what prompted me to check out Withington Village again? The launch of Libertine, of course!

I was very excited to be invited to the launch of this fabulous new venue. It’s a huge space and beautifully redesigned from an old bank. The vault area has been transformed into a glamorous, darkly decorated restaurant. I was lucky enough to sample their duck pizza (confit duck, French bean, banana shallot, San Marzano and crème fraiche) which was truly delicious.

Accompanying this was their charred tender stem broccoli in garlic and lemon butter with onion soubise and smoked jersey royals in ancho oil, chive and rosemary salt. The flavours were all perfectly balanced and combined to create a moreish meal, impossible to resist. Definitely wear loose clothes for your visit as the temptation to keep the small plates coming is strong.

To wash all this down were delicious gin cocktails, including a specially crafted desert cocktail which completed the meal to perfection. Once finished, you can move through to the main bar area. With a fabulous open kitchen to one side, you come out into a uniquely designed space that honestly feels more like you’re in Italy, than Manchester.

It’s hard to do the décor credit, as there’s so much to take in and enjoy: whitewashed, distressed walls, plants hanging from every corner, a fabulous old piano, space for a DJ, gorgeous red leather chairs around a fireplace… The list goes on! Words can only do so much – this is definitely a place that must be visited and enjoyed in person.

As well as dinner, they also serve brunch, or you can pop in for drinks. Keep an eye on their Instagram account @libertine_withington for all their latest news.