The partnership will see a brand-new social space in the former Steak & Lobster restaurant, allowing guests to enjoy an innovative cocktail and food menu whilst soaking up Assouline Publishing’s luxury cultural offering, on subjects including architecture, art, design, fashion, gastronomy, lifestyle, photography and travel.
Founded in 1994 by Prosper and Martine Assouline, in the basement of the couple’s apartment in Paris, when they published their first book, "La Colombe d’Or" - a history of their favorite hotel in the South of France - Assouline is the first luxury brand dedicated to culture, with books artfully crafted and highly considered for their visual content.
Over two decades, guided by a passion for knowledge, culture, and travel, the brand has extended its vision to create all that can be desired in a chic library, from lavishly illustrated books and special editions that become unique decorative accessories.
Amir Jati, Food & Beverage Service Excellence Director, Edwardian Hotels London says: “The Library curated by Assouline is a true celebration of culture and our team of talented chefs have expertly designed a menu, taking inspiration from the brand’s Parisian roots. We are incredibly excited to take our guests on this culinary journey and watch the Assouline heritage come to life in our cocktails and dishes.”
Guests can experience an exquisite selection of contemporary dishes such as Steak Tartare with a champagne-infused egg yolk (£10), and La Spécialité, a remarkable looking chocolate dome with black cardamom ice cream and molten chocolate sauce (£7).
The impressive À La Carte also sits alongside "The Impossible Edition Afternoon Tea", a selection of homemade finger sandwiches on artisan bread, scones, preserves and patisseries (£28), all available with sparkling wine or champagne.
Signature cocktails have been impeccably created by a team of mixologists to represent some of the most popular books within the famed Assouline "Ultimate" collections range:
"La Conception" (£9.50) is dedicated to all things design, whilst "The Can of Pop" (£9.50) has been inspired by one the leading pioneers of the Pop movement, Andy Warhol.
The Library curated by Assouline showcases a vast array of titles, art and furniture; with mirrored nickel lamps projecting a warm glow over the navy velvet and dark woollen charcoal grey armchairs.
Ideal for an Afternoon Tea or a simple night cap, the baby grand piano and Free Trade Hall-inspired artwork greets guests with a luxury setting to eat, drink and relax in, whilst capturing Manchester’s ties to art and culture - the building itself is celebrated for two of the most famous concerts in music history; Bob Dylan's "Judas" concert in 1966, and The Sex Pistols influential "gig that changed the world" in 1976.
Krishma Singh, Product Design Manager, Edwardian Hotels London says: “Designed to be an extension of guests’ bedrooms, this dedicated social space offers a premium residential experience. The Library curated by Assouline is an extension of our successful partnership to date with Assouline, a brand synonymous with luxury, culture and lifestyle. Having worked together across our other London properties, Radisson Blu Edwardian, Mercer Street, Hampshire and Bloomsbury Street, it was a natural collaboration.”
