Five of Manchester’s most popular restaurants went head-to-head – here’s what went down
The Manhester hospitality scene reunited after a challenging eighteen months for a unique new competition called CREATE - pitting teams against one another in the ultimate cook-off
Following a tough old time for Manchester’s hospitality, it’s been great to see the return of competitions to the scene this year.
Many customers might not realise it, but competitions are often the lifeblood of the hospitality industry – bringing together chefs or bartenders from different venues to create innovative dishes, often winning huge cash prizes or trips away to far-flung exotic locations.
Of course, everything’s been on hold for over a year and a half – and many of the staff haven’t even been able to go to work for a lot of that, let alone compete in a competition.
So for them to be back competing, at last, is a wonderful thing.
The Alchemist created a Squid Game-inspired dalgona candy for judges to etch out / Image: The Manc Group
The dalgon candy was an extra, served alongside cocktail ‘The Game’ and a plate of mussels / Image: The Manc Group
This year, a new one has emerged called CREATE – bringing together servers, chefs, and bartenders from some of the city’s best establishments to compete as one, in a change from the typical format.
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The brainchild of Edgrington UK, which has a portfolio of brilliant spirit brands like The Macallan, Maker’s Mark and Roku, unlike many hospitality competitions, the inaugural CREATE competition focused just as much on teamwork as it did on the individual drinks and dishes – matching venues with a brand that they incorporated into both their food and drink entries.
The Manc was invited down to help judge alongside Class Bar Magazine editor Hamish Smith and senior whiskey specialist Michael Green- and we were treated to some incredible drinks, dishes, and concepts, as five of the city’s most popular restaurants showcased the very best they have to offer.
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Taking part was NQ bar and restaurant Tariff and Dale, Spinningfields’ Australasia, The Alchemist, King street restaurant Tast, and The Botanist – each showcasing their own unique offerings in teams of three.
Each dish was introduced by a server, before being brought out for the judges to sample. Marks were awarded equally for service, food and drinks, with a number of optional bonus points then awarded once all the entries had been seen.
Australasia
Kombu buttered poached lobster, Roku beurre blanc, yuzu, and caviar / Image: The Manc Group
Salted duck egg chawamnushi, schezwan pepper ice cream, mountain pear and cherry blossom / Image: The Manc Group
First up was Australasia, represented by Gavin, with a main of Kombu buttered poached lobster, Roku beurre blanc, yuzu, and caviar; followed by a dessert of salted duck egg chawamnushi, schezwan pepper ice cream, mountain pear and cherry blossom.
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Beautifully executed, it set a strong example for everyone to follow, served alongside two elegant cocktails – one served in a Japanese tea set over pebbles that smoked with a little help from some dry ice.
The Alchemist
Next came The Alchemist team, represented by Norbert, with its signature smoke and mirrors take. Despite working with blended Japanese whiskey Toki, they went for a South Korean Squid Game concept with an overarching theme of death.
The Alchemist produced a signature smoke and mirrors take – including actual smoke / Image: The Manc Group
First came mix-and-match dry ice cocktails in test tubes, aptly called ‘The Game’ and served with a Dalgona candy challenge and (sadly, a little gritty) mussels with herb brioche crust; followed by a Midori sour and a rather uninspiring blanquette of lamb neck served with boiled rice.
The Botanist
Third up was the Botanist, represented by Dan. Impressing the judging team with a theme of sustainability that ran throughout the menu, the team took an unusual approach by having their bartender set the tone for the first course with a dish created to match, whilst the second was headed up by their chef.
Seared scallops ‘ceviche’ with charred grapefruit, sweetcorn sauce and Maker’s Mark salted caramel popcorn / Image: The Manc Group
Locally-sourced sirloin with a kimchi crust, black garlic and Maker’s Mark sauce / Image: The Manc Group
A cocktail of mango, Maker’s Mark, fino sherry, lime, quince and cardamom (called Trade Route) paired beautifully with the first dish: seared scallops ‘ceviche’ with charred grapefruit, sweetcorn sauce and Maker’s Mark salted caramel popcorn. However, it was the economical use of every part of the mango, from the fruit’s leather being used as a coaster to the seed being planted in the bartender’s garden that really made the entry stand out.
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Followed by a pretty plate of perfectly-pink Maker’s Mark soused locally-sourced sirloin with a kimchi crust, black garlic and Maker’s Mark sauce, taramasalata, glazed savoy and ox cheek, alongside a coconut-washed Maker’s Mark cocktail, the whole thing was a huge hit and, ultimately, secured The Botanist a firm second place.
Tarrif and Dale
A refreshing cocktail to pair with Sardinian Haggis culurgiones / Image: The Manc Group
Fourth came casual dining spot Tarrif and Dale, represented by Luca. Working with Highland Park, the team married their chef’s Sardinian heritage with the whiskey brand’s Scottish roots: creating a beautiful stuffed pasta dish of haggis, potato and Blue Murder cheese culurgiones.
Highland ingredients ran throughout the drinks too, with the second course ending on a dessert of Forest Mille-Feuille, orange custard and Girolles mushrooms – served alongside a similarly custardy dessert cocktail. Their server may have forgotten most of her spiel, but her friendly manner of coming down to the judges level (and her tartan skirt) definitely set her apart.
Tast
And, last but not least, came high-end restaurant Tast – working with The Macallan and represented by Julia.
Chilli lobster and whiskey sauce with sea lettuce, pork chin, Chinese seaweed bread, herbs emulsion, and lobster coral hollandaise / Image: The Manc Group
A starter of salmon, apple, fennel and whiskey, with smoked salmon, whiskey caviar, fennel and apple puree, apple and whiskey air, dill / Image: The Manc Group
A melt in the mouth starter of near-raw, buttery soft seared salmon married with whiskey caviar, fennel and apple puree, apple and whiskey air, and dill harmoniously. Served alongside a twist on an old fashioned one judge likened to an apple crumble, it was a great success – so much so that I forgot to take a picture until I’d already eaten half of it.
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Finishing off with a dish of chilli lobster and whiskey sauce, sea lettuce, pork chin, Chinese seaweed bread, herbs emulsion and lobster coral hollandaise, paired simply with a sparkling dry cocktail, it soon became clear that Tast was going to take home the gong that day.
The results
Once the scores were drawn up, it was confirmed – and charmingly, when the CREATE winner was announced, the Tast team acknowledged their fellow competitors before all joining together for a photograph.
Coming at a time when collaboration in the industry has been more necessary than ever, it was brilliant to see all the teams present as they would in their venue, right down to the introduction of dishes by a server.
Whilst often in hospitality there are clear lines drawn between the bar, floor and kitchen, following a year in which everyone has needed to work more collaboratively than ever, CREATE competition came at the perfect time – showcasing a mixture of casual and fine dining restaurants at their very best.
We can’t wait for the next one.
Feature image – The Manc Group
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More than 100 traders to take over Manchester’s beautiful Victoria Baths for The Night Market UK
Daisy Jackson
Manchester’s iconic Victoria Baths is set to host an almighty market later this month, with more than 100 traders taking over the former swimming pool and balconies.
The Night Market UK will make its return to Manchester for its biggest event yet, packing the Grade II-listed building with vintage sellers, independent makers, street food, cocktails, and loads more.
The historic venue will be completely transformed after dark on Friday 31 October for the occasion, and will have a few seasonal twists befitting Halloween night.
As well as the food, drink and makers taking part, The Night Market UK will also have art installations and DJ performances.
You’ll be able to wander rows of stalls in the former swimming baths selling the finest vintage clothing and handmade goods, like ceramics, prints, bakes, jewellery and so much more.
Heading back outside the magnificent building you’ll find multiple street food traders, serving everything from tacos to Thai to burgers to pizza.
Cocktail Cartel will be on hand with two bars with spirits sourced from the Spirit of Manchester Distillery and Salford’s own Salford Rum, alongside beers from local legends Seven Brothers Brewery.
Credit: Mark McBrideCredit: Joel FildesCredit: Mark McBride
They said: “We are really excited about being at The Nigh t Market UK– these guys just know how to do it – getting all the locals together and supporting the businesses that make this city what it is.
“You can go anywhere and get a pint of San Miguel or a pint of Guinness – if you’re going to a Manchester market why not get a beer brewed from the city you’re in?! It gives it that personal touch, which is what we are all about.”
Live DJs will be playing all night, with the line-up announced soon on the @thenightmarketuk socials.
The Night Market UK is one of the country’s most distinctive events and will bring to Manchester something for everyone, from families to late-night explorers.
Becc Sanderson, director of The Night Market UK, says: “We are thrilled to return to Victoria Baths for what promises to be our biggest and most exciting event yet.
Credit: Els TacosCredit: Cocktail CartelCredit: Killa CarbsFood and drink at The Night Market UK
“This isn’t just about shopping, it’s about experiencing one of Manchester’s most iconic buildings in a whole new way. It’s about connection with friends, family and community, and celebrating the breadth of small business talent that Manchester has to offer.
“From the installations and performances to the makers and food vendors, everything has been curated to create an evening that feels truly unique. To be here on Halloween night, with the baths transformed after dark, will make it all the more unforgettable.
“We’re also hugely excited to be launching our art collaborations in this incredible space, something that has been in the planning stages for well over a year.
“Thanks to the myriad of fabulous ‘nooks and crannies’ in Victoria Baths, and the fact that it is Halloween after all, we’ve earmarked a space where our customers can enjoy an immersive multimedia experience featuring the work of artist/technologist Ross Blair (trenchone.com) and lighting designer Sam Jones (@smajoneslx), fresh off their huge success at Edinburgh’s Hidden Door Festival.
“This will be a night that will be unforgettable and truly Spooktacular!”
The Night Market UK will take place at Victoria Baths in Manchester on Friday 31 October, with discounted tickets available online now HERE with timed entry slots. Limited full price tickets may be available on the door.
Dunham Massey – The corner of Greater Manchester with unbeatable autumn landscapes and one of nature’s great spectacles
Daisy Jackson
Dunham Massey is one of the North West’s proudest gems, a National Trust site that’s home to both a magnificent Georgian manor house and a beautiful deer park.
But there’s something to be said for the way it comes into its own as autumn rolls around, when the grounds are blanketed in red and orange leaves and a mist lies low over the lawns.
This is a perfect spot to escape into autumn properly, with a perfect mix of heritage, fresh air and scenery (as well as a pumpkin spice latte in the cafe afterwards).
As we creep further into the autumn months, autumnal bulbs will begin to bloom in the Winter Garden, leaves will rustle underfoot, and bright colours will transform the landscape.
When we hear ‘Dunham Massey’, most of us will think of the resident herd of fallow deer who still graze on the grounds of the former medieval deer park.
Those who explore the park on foot this autumn may catch a glimpse of breeding or ‘rutting’ season, one of nature’s great spectacles, where the bucks fight for their pick of the does.
Expect these amazing beasts to be roaring and bellowing at each other and showing off their fully grown antlers, with the bucks parallel walking and sizing each other up – and potentially clashing over the nearby females.
The best time to see the deer rutting at Dumham Massey is early in the mornings, when the park is quiet.
Also honouring the deer is the Stags in Bradgate Park sculpture, a silver masterpiece dating back to 1855, which was previously believed to have been lost forever and melted down.
Deer resting on the lawn at Dunham Massey. Credit: Arnhel de Serra
Now back on display at Dunham Massey and reunited with the silver collection, it portrays two rutting red deer stags and was commissioned by George Harry Grey, 7th Earl of Stamford in an act of love and rebellion.
It was a symbol of locking horns with the Cheshire society that shunned him over his marriage to Catherine Cox – a woman who was considered beneath him by Victorian high society.
The silver centrepiece was crafted by royal goldsmiths and was seen as a masterpiece at the time, going on to be exhibited at the London International Exhibition of 1862 and the Paris Exposition Universelle of 1867.
Elsewhere at Dunham Massey this autumn you’ll find the unique ORIGIN deep listening art installation, which connects visitors to the mansion and gardens through sonic landscapes and visual artistry.
Designed to soothe and rejuvenate, ORIGIN explores the powerful themes of life’s cycle and the human connection to nature.
Dunham Massey is accessible by public transport, with regular buses running from Altrincham and Warrington.
And you can claim 10% off in the ice cream parlour, cafe and restaurant when you show a valid bus ticket.
Find out more about Dunham Massey and what’s on offer this winter HERE.