Tucked away in the corner of Manchester, but in the heart of Marple, Fold Bistro and Bottle Shop is a haven for food enthusiasts and wine aficionados alike.
Our recent dining experience here was nothing short of extraordinary, as we had the privilege of savouring dishes crafted by the talented Chef Ryan Stafford, who you might recognise from his appearances on the Great British Menu.
Ryan had been serving up great food at Fold for a long time before he was called up to the television show, so for one night only, he was flaunting the very same menu he served the judges.
Upon entering Fold Bistro, we were immediately struck by its quaint and ambient charm. The open kitchen design allows diners a full view of the action, like having front-row seats to your favourite episodes of The Bear, albeit with way less chaos.
Chef Ryan Stafford commented on how the open kitchen “adds pressure”, but you wouldn’t have noticed it as his team worked seamlessly, like clockwork, creating an engaging and mesmerising experience. The set menu allowed synchronicity, akin to a well-rehearsed performance.
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One of the standout features of Fold is its impressive wine selection, a testament to its dual identity as both a bistro and a bottle shop. If I wasn’t driving, it would have been hard to turn down a glass or two.
The menu, eloquently named and carefully curated, showcased a range of dishes that highlighted Chef Stafford’s creativity; thematically centred around an Olympic theme.
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One dish in particular, ‘Made in Water’, was a tribute to Dame Sarah Storey, commemorating herremarkable career where she amassed 28 Medals and became Britain’s most successful Paralympic athlete of all time. Storey is also a fellow Mancunian, making this tribute that little bit more poetic.
Everything he touches turns to gold… literally. One of the evening’s most memorable moments was the fish course, adorned with a 17-carat gold vinegar spritz. This luxurious touch added a layer of opulence to an already exquisite dish, which was a lovely, warming twist to your usual fish and chips.
The starter was a delightful explosion of flavours, with the tang of the Kaffir lime harmoniously balancing the spices. Each bite was a testament to Chef Stafford’s ability to blend ingredients in a way that is both surprising and satisfying.
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Truffle made a notable appearance in several dishes, reinforcing the current trend in gourmet dining. I, for one, am all here for it. The earthy richness of the truffle added depth and sophistication, elevating the dishes to new heights.
The dessert was a revelation: olive ice cream. While it may sound unconventional, Stafford has been perfecting this since before it became trendy (Remember when Dua Lipa had everyone trying this?), proving his foresight and innovative approach to flavour combinations.
As the evening drew to a close, Chef Stafford took a moment to acknowledge his team, stating: “Everything you’ve seen tonight, all 70 covers, couldn’t have been done without this team right here.”
This humble and heartfelt acknowledgement underscored the collaborative effort behind the evening’s overall success.
Fold Bistro and Bottle Shop is more of an experience than a destination and is now one of Marple Bridge‘s biggest attractions. Although this specific menu was a one-off, you’re still in for a treat with their usual menu.
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I couldn’t recommend it more for an evening of good food, friendly staff and an intimate atmosphere, especially if you want to escape the city centre.
Brilliant Saddleworth restaurant shares statement after devastating fire that brought village to a standstill
Daisy Jackson
A brilliant restaurant in Saddleworth has been left ‘badly damaged’ after a huge blaze ripped through it yesterday afternoon.
Hot Duck in Uppermill, a modern Chinese establishment tucked above a takeaway, said that the fire on Sunday 6 September has been ‘devastating’.
Both Hot Duck and Hei Hei, which share a building on the village’s high street, will be closed for the foreseeable future.
But in a statement, Hot Duck said they will ‘do everything we can to come back stronger’.
They reassured customers that everyone is safe following the blaze.
Six fire engines from across Greater Manchester scrambled to the fire yesterday, with High Street closed while emergency services attended.
Locals were asked to avoid the area on Sunday evening.
Hot Duck said in a statement: “Thank you to everyone who has reached out over the last 24 hours. As many of you know, our restaurant has suffered a devastating fire affecting our whole building.
Inside Hot Duck in Uppermill before the fireHot Duck’s incredible dim sum
“Thankfully, everyone is safe, and for that, we’re incredibly grateful. We are still processing what comes next.
“It’s heartbreaking to see something we’ve worked so hard on over the years so badly damaged.
“The kindness, messages, calls, and offers of help mean more than we can put into words. To our customers, friends, neighbors, suppliers, and the wider community, thank you. Your support has given us hope at a time we really needed it.
“For now, the restaurant will remain closed while we begin the long process of rebuilding. It won’t be easy, but we will do everything we can to come back stronger. We’ll keep you updated. We will be back.”
The Greater Manchester book café serving literary afternoon teas and build-your-own bouquets
Daisy Jackson
If you like your afternoon tea with a side of good books, there’s a Greater Manchester café where you can quite literally have your cake and read it too.
Tucked inside this charming bookish spot, afternoon tea arrives with an unexpected twist. Rather than being presented with the usual three-tiered stand, you’re handed a stack of heavy hardback books.
But don’t start worrying that you’ve accidentally wandered into a very niche library club. The books are hiding something.
Lift the covers in Peony & Parchment – or, more accurately, open the book-shaped boxes – and you’ll discover a full afternoon tea concealed inside.
There are dainty sandwiches to get stuck into, including tiny egg mayo, herby chicken salad, ham and mustard, and cheese and tomato focaccia, alongside a little quiche.
Then comes the scone – classic, fluffy and ready for the obligatory dollop of clotted cream and jam. And, because no afternoon tea should leave you feeling like you’ve been short-changed in the cake department, there are five miniature slices to work through.
Afternoon tea concealed in a stack of booksSome of the other bakes on display
There’s a Victoria sponge with a dreamy vanilla cream, lemon drizzle, rich chocolate cake, a Bakewell slice and a pecan pie, all sourced from a local bakery just across the alleyway.
It’s all served with a pot of tea or coffee, with the option to add a glass of prosecco.
And the bookish theme doesn’t stop at the afternoon tea.
Downstairs you’ll find shelves packed with books, including the intriguing ‘blind books’. Instead of judging a book by its cover, you’ll be given clues and a short summary of what lies inside before taking a gamble on your mystery read.
Downstairs in Peony & Parchment‘Blind books’A role playing village for kids
There’s also plenty here to keep younger visitors entertained, thanks to a children’s area complete with a mini role-playing village.
And if books and cake weren’t enough, there’s another string to this café’s bow.
The Bloom Bar lets you build your own bouquet. Choose the size you want, then wander around selecting your own stems and foliage to create something that’s uniquely yours.
You can build your own bouquetThe Bloom Bar at Peony & Parchment
Of course, you don’t have to be visiting specifically for the afternoon tea. The wider menu includes tapas, full breakfasts and sandwiches, making it just as suitable for a leisurely brunch, lunch or coffee-and-cake stop.
So whether you’re there to discover your next favourite novel, assemble a bouquet, entertain the kids or simply eat your way through five different miniature cakes, this is one café where there are plenty of chapters to explore.
The Manc -
25th May 2024 
