Sexy Fish issues new update after sculpture crashes off wall as more details emerge

A giant sea sculpture has smashed onto the floor of the restaurant in Manchester

More details have emerged about an incident that took place at a luxury Manchester restaurant yesterday (September 18). A video circulated online showed a giant sea sculpture had smashed onto the floor at Sexy Fish in Spinningfields.

The restaurant this morning confirmed to the Manchester Evening News that a piece of art fell off the wall during lunch service. Sexy Fish said their team “responded immediately” to the incident.

A spokesperson for Sexy Fish said earlier today: “Yesterday, a piece of art fell off the wall at Sexy Fish Manchester.

“Our team responded immediately, and is in close contact with guests who were dining at the time. As this took place at the start of lunch service, the restaurant was quiet.

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“We have carried out a full safety inspection with independent specialists, and the restaurant will reopen today for lunch. The safety and wellbeing of our customers and team remains our highest priority.”

A TikTok video showed the restaurant’s sculpture scattered across the floor and on some of the tables.

The video, taken from outside, showed the sculpture shattered on top of tables and fish-inspired lampshades on the floor.

In a new update, Sexy Fish confirmed it was closed following the incident but will reopen to guests later today.

Images appear to show it was the Swordfish sculpture that fell from one of the walls while lunch service was taking place.

In an updated statement giving further details on the incident including whether any guests dining at the time were impacted and details on measures taken ahead of reopening, a spokesperson said: “No emergency services were required. We are aware of one minor injury, which we believe to be a bruise, and remain in close contact with the guest.

“The restaurant was closed for the remainder of the day yesterday while a full safety inspection was carried out.

“All remaining artwork has been checked by third party specialists ahead of reopening today.”

The glitzy restaurant took over the former Armani store in the city centre and was brought to life by the same company behind the Ivy Group.

The Manchester site features Damien Hirst artworks and giant sea sculptures, as well as a mini waterfall and iconic fish lamps.

The Damien Hirst sculptures include a swordfish mural bolted to one wall as well as a sparkling blue octopus suspended above diners near to the bar area.

Sexy Fish is part of Caprice holdings, who also own The Ivy, which opened an enormous three-storey restaurant in Spinningfields back in 2019.

Sexy Fish’s Mayfair location opened in 2015 and is decorated with artwork by Turner Prize-winning Damien Hirst.

It has become a magnet for celebrities over the years, with stars including Katy Perry, Noel Gallagher and Lindsay Lohan all spotted there in the past.