We've had this missive with which to start March. After taking out and toning down the PR excess this new place looks like a real boost for city dining.

Here comes the press release.

'Thomas Restaurant and Bar is due to open this month, offering a completely different environment to eat and drink in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. The menu is a collection of everyone’s favourite dishes and drinks with an emphasis on quality and value for money.

'Behind the venture are Paul Astill, Nicky Rybka-Goldsmith and Yvonne Goldsmith-Rybka who between them own Cord, The Bay Horse and Soup Kitchen. Yvonne has an extensive background within the restaurant industry (including Reform, The Restaurant Bar & Grill and Lounge 10) and along with Head Chef Gareth Phillips (Greens in Didsbury, Atul Kochhars’ Benares in Mayfair and most recently Soup Kitchen) has designed a menu they feel will appeal to everyone yet inhibit no-one.

'Through monthly Wine and Dine evenings held over the past year at Soup Kitchen, recipes have been created, refined and enjoyed by many loyal attendees – (click here for our review of one of these occasions.)

'The site has three floors designed for both drinkers and diners; with a very architectural design combining interior and exterior spaces to attract locals and new customers who may not have visited the area before.

'Customers can enjoy dishes such as: Posh Bloody Mary Shots with fresh oyster (£6); to the beer battered lightly spiced Fish and Chunky Chips (£9.50); and flavoured fresh Cheesecakes of the Day (£4.50.) There is a short yet perfectly formed wine list with each wine available by the glass and suggested wine choices to compliment many of the dishes are indicated on the menu.

'Using local suppliers, the menu gives customers what they want; and in this current climate pricing has been very carefully considered; Monday to Saturday before 6pm enjoy any starter/main or main/dessert from the menu for £11.95. And Sundays at Thomas are meant for getting together and relaxing with families, friends and loved ones with Sunday Roasts taking over the menu. (Individually priced at £8.95, or £11.95 for two courses and £15 for three courses).'

That's the press release then. Confidential expects good things from this place. The Soup Kitchen's Wine and Dine nights have been very well-regarded for some time. If Phillips can bring that level of cooking to the restaurant it should thrive. It should also lift the reputation of the Northern Quarter as place a notch or two and add variety to a night out there.

It shouldn't be just the food that impresses either. Paul Astill, the designer of the restaurant, has a great eye for bars and restaurants. Having seen plans for the site we trust that Thomas will look the part, providing both intrigue and comfort.

We like the work of this business partnership and we like what they've provided for the city. Well with one exception. The music volume in their Bay Horse pub on weekend evenings is obscene. It's not just the forty-somethings in the office who think this, but the twenty-somethings too. Let's hope there's none of that late night bedlam in Thomas, just a sparky menu, a sparky venue and a great place to go - and to tell other people to go to as well.

Thomas will be open Monday to Sunday, midday to midnight (last orders at 10pm) and is located at 49-51 Thomas Street, Manchester, M4 1NA (Click here for a map). 0161 839 7033. www.thomasrestaurant.co.uk