Ahead of his ambitious new restaurant launch in Manchester, acclaimed ex-Noma chef Simon Martin talks risky ambition, pretentious cooking, violent kitchens and British food’s post-Brexit future. Why have you chosen to open your first restaurant in Manchester’s buzzed-over Ancoats district? It’s almost felt like fate has drawn us here. We needed to take over an entirely empty unit, so that…
As a keen rum lover (El Dorado 15 years old is one of my favourites), news of an innovative, very cool bar launch has made me book my train ticket to sunny Manchester. A new Caribbean inspired venue is to open within King’s Court of Altrincham, South Manchester on July 20th 2018. Dave Marsland of Drinks Enthusiast Ltd has chosen the attractive…
Did you know, that Britons spend an average of 6 hours of their life queuing*? That’s a heck of a waste of time, and one of my pet peeves (cold butter on bread rolls, sandwiches with crust on afternoon tea are just a few others). Patience is a virtue, which I unfortunately have little of. Especially when you’ve had a long…
Following the success of last year’s Birmingham coffee festival two Midlands businessmen are set to stage a second celebration of “the humble bean.” As a lover of all things coffee (I have around 4 cups of coffee a day), this event is right up my street. The three-day festival at the iconic Custard Factory in Digbeth will be the first major public…
I know the weather is a bit of a wash out at the moment, but the wise weather bods are promising double digit temperatures next week. I’m a hopeful soul, and I’m crossing my fingers that those warmer temperatures will transpire. If you want to get in the summery mood and prep your garden, you need to hop on over…
As a die-hard Hotel Chocolat fan (see previous post from four years ago), the following news has had me doing a jig of joy since last week. I am delighted to announce that luxury British chocolatier and cocoa grower Hotel Chocolat, will be opening a brand-new store in Derby. This latest addition which opens in May forms part of the company’s boutique portfolio…
It is important to celebrate the small victories in life. One of them is enduring “Hump Day” a term used in the context of climbing a proverbial hill to get through the week. Having a press launch on Hump Day is a stroke of genius, giving people the chance to celebrate with good food, good fun and good times. And…
For the seventh year, the NRB Top Fifty is an exciting power list of the North’s most significant and influential hospitality operators. Long established names and nine new entries make up the list covering 216 brands, 1194 sites and over 22,200 employees. The NRB Top Fifty 2018, in association with Kuits Solicitors, has been announced today with a mix of…
*Review by invite* Have you ever been too busy to cook? You may be heartened to know that you’re not the only one. Millions of Brits are too busy to be healthy, with a whopping 75% skipping meals because of time constraints, and 60% struggling to find nutritious recipes*. Cooking at home has its merits. I cook as I find…
Manchester Food and Drink Festival 2018 will take place 27th September – 8th October MFDF Awards are back – Gala Dinner and Awards on 8th October Manchester food and drink lovers invited to throw their ideas into the pot Food lovers are advised to clear their diaries from 27th September – 8th October, as Manchester Food and Drink Festival has announced it will be taking over…