Tony Jones has an outstanding, dazzling smile, offset by his brilliant sapphire Manhattan branded shirt and his blue-and-white oversized check chef’s apron. This vision in blue takes service with a smile to new levels in the serving of burgers. Who wouldn’t want to sweep by on an evening, when feeling a bit peckish, to order a classic American burger and perhaps some tomato relish, a garlic bap or some chunky chips from the take-out menu after a sociable night at the Ring O Bells or The Ram?
You’ll find a classic offering of burgers, pizzas and chips at Manhattan. Tony explains that the runaway bestsellers are the Cheeseburger and the Manhattan and Chicken Nuggets with Garlic Mayo, but you can also treat yourself to Jamaica Jerk Chicken Burger, Chicken Wings, Cod Fillet Burger, Bacon Bap and Onion Rings. Those wanting to avoid meat can opt for the Manhattan Vegeburger or the Spicy Beanburger.
Tony’s parents, Chester and Audrey Jones, secured the lease on the building at 23 Claverton Street in Widcombe for him in 1989 after he finished his Business Studies course at Bath College (then City of Bath College). They bought it from friends of theirs, Mr and Mrs Wong, the owners of Peking Chinese Restaurant whose son Kit was Tony’s school friend, and helped Tony build up the business in the early years. He had previous experience working in the food business, including at Old Orleans Restaurant on Alfred Street and KT’s restaurant on Grand Parade. Manhattan has traded successfully as a family business for 38 years – with a hiccough in lockdown – and, now run by Tony and his sister Melanie, is Widcombe’s longest standing business.
Tony, who is a Bath boy through and through (attending Bathwick Juniors and St Gregory’s), talks glowingly of Widcombe and the early days of the business when they used to welcome hoards of regular customers from the old Widcombe Social Club. But the sociable atmosphere still remains in the district that Tony describes as a village, with a supportive local community full of independent businesses who take care of each other.
Manhattan, 23 Claverton Street, Widcombe Parade, Bath BA2 4LD; manhattanburgerbarbath.co.uk
Photograph by Joe Short, an award-winning photographer based in Bath. joeshort.com