Brand New Zouk opening causes a stampede - no elephants were harmed...

A baby elephant was one of the star attractions at the opening of the latest Zouk restaurant last Friday in Manchester. Officially opened by Deputy Lady Mayoress Alison Firth the sumptuous restaurant is another winning take on the traditional Asian eating experience from Zouk. This being the second of many restaurants, Zouk have continued to set the standard in creating stylish and innovative eateries. The £1m investment in the Manchester restaurant, opened off Oxford Road - Chester Street, near the BBC studios, will accommodate up to 200 diners.

Over 400 people joined Zouk on the night to support their opening event, they were met by the life size baby elephant prop, with entertainment from a street performer who wowed the crowd with fire eating, stilt walking, juggling and card tricks. The music came courtesy of international DJ Bo-Zin who flew in from Morocco for the weekend. In addition to this there was live Indian cookery demonstrations throughout the night.

The 4.5 thousand square ft restaurant will accommodate up to 200 diners with a mezzanine and alfresco dinning. The Manchester branch boasts an extended menu with dishes such as beggers chicken, chicken coated in clay to keep the meat moist, and full leg of lamb, turkey and duck roasted on embers and served on skewers, this is a traditional dish from Baluchistan known as Sajji.