Spinningfields, Manchester, is home to over 165 world class financial and commercial organizations including many luxury international fashion brands, restaurants and bars. Amongst these is Australasia, an upscale restaurant specialising in modern Australian cuisine combined with Pacific Rim flavours which promise a dining experience like no other. Divided into two separate areas, upstairs you will find the Bar & Terrace, an upbeat social haunt serving drinks and food with both resident and guest DJs playing until the early hours, while ‘down under’ you will find the restaurant, the perfect place for intimate and classy dining. 
The restaurant offers a creative menu giving diners two choices – local, smaller dishes to share, or traditional, a starter and a main. Traditional signature must tries include pot-roasted lobster with kaffir lime, chilli and Thai basil, and duck breast, grilled carrots, wasabi and watercress purée, roasted hazelnuts and dukkah crumb. The drinks menu not only offers extensive champagne, wine, spirits and Asian inspired beers but also has an incredible Sake selection and stunning must try signature cocktails created by crafted mixologists including Australasia’s Bar Guru, Ray. 
During my visit I indulged on the local menu. Whilst everything I tasted was superb, as a fish dish I would really recommend the scallop sashimi, thinly sliced, and so fresh that each bite melts in your mouth; it is a delight not to be missed. Pair this dish with the Australasia Spritz cocktail made with Rose Liqueur, Umeshu, Plum Bitters, Grenadine, lemon juice and sparkling rose; a sweet delight and very refreshing on your palate. As a meat dish, definitely do not pass on the Cambodian Beef Skewers. Spicy and tender as you like, this dish pairs well with the Almond Hibiscus Mojito, which with its subtle almond and refreshing mint flavours, takes away from the heat of the chillies.
Finally, as a dessert treat yourself to the Coconut Cheesecake Mousse, or, for the chocolate lover, the Chocolate Dome with Peanut, Salted Caramel and Blackberries. Pair either of these with The Wax Seal cocktail made with Bulleit, Vermouth, Umeshu and Bitter Truth Aromatic Bitters for an unforgettable end to a fantastic meal. .
