After wowing Manchester with its Christmas decorations, Rosso Restaurant has gone large with the theming for Valentine's Day - and Instagram fans are already "obsessed". The Italian is co-owned by ex-Manchester United footballer Rio Ferdinand and is a popular celeb haunt in the city.
The venue hit the headlines at Christmas with its traffic-stopping lights display at the top of King Street. Now it is making waves once again with the spectacular red-rose festooned exterior that continues inside to an even more eye-popping romantic display.
There is a spectacular red rose wall as you walk in, with a huge 3D metal heart placed in the historic fireplace at the former bank building. Then in the main Rosso restaurant space itself the roses continue, wrapped around the columns in a dramatic waterfall style.
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After showing off the decor in a big reveal on Instagram, the restaurant was flooded with "OMG" and "obsessed" comments from followers. The decor took over 16 hours to set up at the venue, and has involved over 5,000 silk rose heads for the displays.
Roses arch across the Rosso doorway on Spring Gardens, with red lights illuminating the Grade II listed former bank building. There's also a new pink neon sigh saying: "From Rosso with Love".
At Christmas the outdoor decorations - with the building covered in sparkling lights - caused such a stir that people were seen wandering into the main road outside to take selfies and literally stopping traffic in the process. Selfie-hunters were warned to stick to the footpaths for the pictures instead to prevent an accident.
The new dazzling look comes amid Rosso's build up to this year's Valentine's Day - when the venue will have a special £80-per-head menu on the big night itself of February 14. But in the dates around it you can also order from the traditional a la carte menus while lapping up the super-romantic decor.
Inside, guests are greeted with a 3D geometric heart installed alongside a waterfall of more red roses arching up and down the pillars. Rosso’s famous wall of mirrors has also been adorned with Rosso’s Valentines message, while more roses snake up to the grandiose dome above dining guests.
A spokesman for Rosso said the decorations were aimed at making Valentine's extra special this year and providing plenty of picture perfect moments for customers. He said: "At Rosso we’re always delivering a unique experience, unlike anywhere else, and this Valentines Day is no different."
The restaurant has also announced that on Sunday, February 12, they're planning a special family Valentine's event from 12noon to 6pm. Families can partake of the classic Sunday roast menu, with younger diners gifted a themed colouring book and balloon for the occasion.
For Valentine's Day itself, guests will choose from a special set menu from 5pm onwards. Dishes include for starters swordfish carpaccio, fried chicken and black truffle toast or olive and burrata duet with vegetable broth. Mains include Rosso's dry aged beef fillet with Sicilian red prawns, a whole baked seabass or vegan beef steak served with spiced cauliflower.
Guests are urged to leave a little room for the panna cotta dessert with white chocolate, while an array of themed Valentine's cocktails will also be available through February.
While Valentine's night might come at a premium price of £80, the restaurant is offering a special two course lunch throughout February. You can dine for £20 at lunchtimes from Monday to Saturday valid from 12PM until 4PM.
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