Inspired by holidays spent in Italy, a new wine, spritz and tapas spot is opening in Manchester
Freddie Fairhurst, co-owner of new Manchester bar, Federico (Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)
Growing up, Freddie Fairhurst would spend summer holidays in Tuscany with his family – trips that would include visits to the Fattoria Il Palagio vineyard.
Originally owned by the Tortoli Matteucci family, it’s currently owned by the musician Sting and his wife Trudie Styler, and is well-known for its Chianti and olive oil.
From these formative experiences, Freddie knew that one day he would like to open his own bar, and the inspiration seemed obvious.
At just 21 he’s now bringing that dream to life, building on several years of experience working in pubs and bars, as well as DJing, to open Federico in Manchester city centre.
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“I grew up in hospitality,” says Freddie, whose first job was behind a bar in the village of Lymm in Cheshire.
“I’ve also done DJ sets in different venues and I’ve become engrossed in the industry and culture. I wanted to create a space of my own where people can come in and share in that experience.”
Inside Federico bar in Manchester city centre(Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)
Tucked away from the Manchester Christmas Markets, he says the bar is all about bringing Italy’s “aperitivo” culture to life with a fresh new approach to the city’s wine scene.
Located just off King Street at 50 Pall Mall, the interiors are reminiscent of elegant bars in Milan, merged with cosy colours including dark maroon and golden fixtures, plus pictures showing Freddie when he was younger on trips to Italy.
High tables are met with lower booth seating, or punters can take a seat at the bar and enjoy one of Federico’s classic cocktails including the likes of Martinez, Americano and Boulevardier. Or opt for Federico’s Martini flight where guests can try three unique martini variations.
Wine, spritz, beer and bar snacks including cured meats and cheeses at Federico (Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)
For those that prefer a spritz, guests can select from an extensive list featuring Aperol, Campari, Hugo Mondoro, Sarti, Malfy Limone and Crodino. Birra Murano, an exclusive Italian lager, is available by the schooner.
And during Aperitivo Hour (4pm until 6:30pm, Monday – Friday), keep an eye out for daily specials – paired with a complimentary taste of Federico’s food offering.
“What I love when I visit Italy is this Aperitivo culture, just pulling up after work, having a quick spritz, or just staying and enjoying that atmosphere, so that’s going to be a big thing for us here, targeting that after-work crowd.
Federico is tucked away just off King Street(Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)
On the wine side, Federico’s welcoming team has created a list of expertly chosen wines and cocktails, sampled across years of travels.
With a wide array of hand-selected bottles, guests can enjoy regional wines by the glass starting at £6 and can even sample higher ranges by Coravin.
Their house wine is exclusively imported from the aforementioned Tuscan vineyard dating back to the 18th century, who have been long-standing friends of the Federico family.
A range of wines are available at Federico (Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)
“The house wine is a showstopper, it’s just a gorgeous wine, but we’ve worked with loads of different providers and tried over 1,000 different wines to get it to opening – it’s been intense,” smiles Freddie.
White wine by the glass starts at £6 and goes up to £10, while bottles start at £28 and go up to £85 for the Vigna Kolbenhof Gewurztraminer. Glasses of red range between the £7 and £9, with bottles priced between £29 and £80.
There’s also Champagne by the glass and bottle with brands including Dom Perignon and Moet, plus sparkling options spanning a Cremant at £32 a bottle or £8 for a glass.
Federico’s Martini flight (Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)
In the morning, from 11am, Federico will also serve coffees, the likes of cortados and homemade Tisana (herbal tea) supplied by friends at Cuppellos – roasted locally.
Meanwhile, in the evening, and to complement the drinks offering, the bar transitions into a celebration of aperitivo, where guests can choose from a range of gildas (a style of tapas), olives and breads, premium cuts including Curing Rebels salami and 100% Iberico or from a rotating selection of Formaggio.
During the warmer months, the bar’s outside terrace promises nights reminiscent of the streets of Milan, but until then, there’s a cosy heated outdoor spot.
Federico is open Monday to Wednesday, 11am until 11pm, Thursday to Saturday 11am until 12am, and Sunday, 11am until 9pm.
Federico, 50 Pall Mall, Manchester M2 1AQ.