Soho seafood restaurant Randall & Aubin has opened on Manchester’s Bridge Street, offering an Anglo-French menu overseen by chef Ed Baines. The elegant 130-cover brasserie is larger than its London sibling, with gleaming marble tables, leather booths, vintage French posters and art deco touches. Its menu is more wide-ranging too, incorporating rotisserie chicken, slow-roasted meats and a Sunday roast alongside the renowned R&A platters of oysters, fruits de mer and fish dishes. Our starter of tender grilled Manx queenie scallops arrived adorned in smoky pancetta and drizzled with a zingy lemon and caper butter, while a whole lobster was perfectly grilled and glistening with garlic butter, served with crisp frites. A specials menu embraces seasonal fish dishes, and there’s also a good-value regularly changing set lunch. The striking brass and mahogany bar running down the centre of the space adds to the party atmosphere at night – as does the range of fizz (including own-brand Champagne), wines, classic cocktails and beers (try anything from local favourites ShinDigger). A glamorous addition to Spinningfields.