A RESTAURATEUR is hoping to bring a taste of the 'Big Apple' to Warrington with his new Cultural Quarter venture.

Adam Bartnik, who used to run Rams Head Inn in Grappenhall and A La Turka in Stockton Heath, has opened Smoke in the historic Treasury Building.

The 46-year-old frequently visits New York City and wanted to bring the city's sense of style and service to the town.

Adam, who has lived in Warrington for seven years, said: "The Treasury Building is a great space. I think the Cultural Quarter is the place to go in Warrington now."

The Stockton Heath resident's staff have a combined experience of more than 20 years in the hospitality industry working in various restaurants and bars in Warrington and the surrounding area.

Smoke specialises in Mediterranean cuisine but just as important to Adam is the atmosphere.

Part of that saw him collaborate with Manchester artist Neil Roland on some exclusive artwork for the venue.

Adam added: "I’m interested in this level of hospitality with bespoke food, service and design and a real sense of ambience. I want to bring a little bit of New York to Warrington.

"These are things I like and enjoy in New York. In many of the restaurants in Manhattan and Tribeca they bring art, nice design and a great food experience together.

"They’re often in this kind of building as well with high ceilings. I think the Treasury Building has got soul. I left what I could like the original floors and ceilings and mosaics to keep that vibe."

Favourites on the menu include sliced Angus fillet, lamb loin, halibut, truffle garlic chips, goats cheese bon bon and sticky toffee pudding.

The meat is mostly sourced from Warrington Market and everything is prepared fresh – the freezer only stores ice and ice cream.

Like its neighbour San Lorenzo, Smoke will also be opening its roof terrace on Friday.

Adam said: "We’ve had a good start with some positive feedback but obviously with the ‘summer of the century’ it’s not ideal because people want to be outside. Luckily we're working on a roof terrace which should be open on Friday."

Adam grew up in Warsaw, Poland, before he moved to Warrington and he used to run a nightclub called Butiklub.

He added: "It’s funny how things turn out because Grandmaster Flash played in my club and now he’ll be playing next door to me at the Parr Hall in a couple of weeks.

"I emailed him and he’s going to come and visit us at the restaurant."

COMPETITION

Warrington Guardian has teamed up with Smoke to offer a family of four a free meal during Smoke's Sunday Family Grill.

The winner will be served a selection of meats, including steaks, as well complimentary drinks.

To enter, simply answer the question: Which city was owner Adam Bartnik inspired by when he opened Smoke?

Send your answers along with your name, address and phone number before noon on Wednesday, July 25, after which a winner will be selected at random.

Send an email with the title ‘Smoke competition’ to competition@nqnw.co.uk

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