The latest restaurant to land at the Trafford Centre has opened its doors - or in this case, its rather glamorous red velvet curtains. A Broadway-inspired diner where waiters break into show tunes from musicals like Cats, Chicago and the Lion King has finally landed at the shopping centre just outside The Orient.
Occupying the White House-esque building know as The Orangery, which was previously home to restaurant chain Frankie & Benny's and before it, bars like Kro, Tiggi's and Mantos, The Broadway Diner has been described as the ‘ultimate dining destination for theatre lovers and food enthusiasts’. While naturally there's plenty of jazz hands on display, there's also musical-themed cocktails and diner-style dishes with tongue-in-cheek names that nod to some of the most celebrated musicals and theatre productions.
If you're wondering why the name or concept feels familiar, that's because it comes from the team behind Viral Ventures, who are also behind Karen’s Diner, the Australian-American chain of theme restaurants where staff are paid to be intentionally rude to customers throughout the meal. Broadway Diner is very different to Karen's though, so instead of insults at your table and a generally hostile atmosphere, the new concept is more about waiters belting out classics as you chow down on some American diner staples.
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Lit up with a 'Broadway' sign as you enter, the space still feels slightly reminiscent as it's former incarnation as a Frankie's & Benny's. But, while you'll notice the booths, bar and kitchen pass have remained, the décor has been spruced up with the ‘essence of Broadway theatre’ complete with red velvet curtains and walls adorned with musical posters.
Before you head into the main restaurant for the full show, diners can enjoy one of the diner's 'Curtains Open' cocktails in the bar area, as well as spirts, beers and fizz. Show-themed drinks include an old fashioned now known as 'My Fair Lady' £15.95, a Bramble Streisand £14.95 and 'You Can't Stop The Heat' (£15.95) a spicy take on a classic margarita.
As well as small glasses of wine, which start from £5.80, there's also glasses of prosecco for £5.75 or bottles at £30 a pop, plus spirits from £4.95 and a range of soft drinks. Once drinks have been sorted and guests have soaked up the atmosphere, a waiter ushers them over to their table, just in time for the show to start.
As guests walk around to their booths and tables, they'll also notice as grand piano and a lit-up stage right in the middle of the restaurant, where the main event takes place. From here, the magic really starts, and waiters seamlessly switch between asking you if you would like any sides with your burger and suddenly, with no literally no warning, breaking into song.
It might not be for everyone, but for musical lovers, the chance to hear renditions of West End and Broadway shows from some very talented performers, while nibbling on some wings and fries, is likely to be an idea; night out. The repertoire of show tunes is impressive and ranges from Kinky Boots and Wicked to Les Misérables and Hamilton , as well as hits from Oliver!, Rent and Mamma Mia!
The venue’s American-styled menu meanwhile, features a range of burgers, loaded fries, and milkshakes, alongside plant-based options. If you fancy some small plates with a twist, there's the 'Don't Rain On My Potato' (£4.95), or the 'Hakuna Ma Tartar' calamari (£8.95), and the 'I Like To Be In America' chicken and waffles with maple syrup (£8.95). The starters also include lots of vegetarian, vegan and Halal options like 'Big Girls Eat Cous Cous' (£6.95), and the 'Patti Lupesto' sautéed mushrooms on ciabatta.
If you're hungrier than Oliver Twist though, you may want to opt for the one of the larger plates. As well as the stuffed pitta known as 'Got To Pitta Pocket Or Two' (£11.95), there's some American classics like the 'Meat Me Inside' Hoagie meatball sub smothered in marinara sauce (£11.95), and the 'Cheeseus Christ Superstar', a big beef patty with bacon, cheese and Broadway Diner's own homemade sauce (£13.95).
You need to order fast though otherwise you server may have already assumed their position on the stage and be belting out 'Do-Re-Mi' from Rodgers and Hammerstein musical The Sound of Music or reducing the audience to tears (the good kind) with 'Can you Feel Love Tonight from The Lion King. On that note, there's also a huge Lion prop in the entrance, so you may get a full show at some point.
One person who is stepping away from the limelight though is manager Mica Young, who some people may recognise as the unofficial poster woman of Karen's Diner, at least here in the UK. Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, she says that not only is she happy to drop her 'Karen' persona, but spotlight some very impressive musical talent.
"Broadway Diner is the place to be if you're a musical theatre fan and we've got all the Broadway classics. Each time you visit, you'll have a completely different experience with different singers and songs, and it's just a really good night out. All our staff are singers, and that will often include our bartenders and chefs too.
"It's completely the opposite to Karen's and I think I became a bit of face of the brand at one point so people might be confused to see me here now, but I actually am nice and it was just a character I was playing. I'm excited to be nice to people and it's nice to be on the other side directing the show, she smiles.
And on creating a destination for both musical lovers and emerging talent, Mica says she can't wait. "The venue is already a magnet for local talent and our teams are a mix of both established and up and coming stars. We want to eventually be a hub where individual artists starts from and this is their base."
