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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A FREE home show is coming to Manchester next month
Daisy Jackson
A brand-new event is heading to Manchester in May that’s been created to help people get on the first rung of the property ladder.
Whether you’re overwhelmed by taking that first step or wanting to find out more about affordable homeownership options, the Manchester Home Show promises to be a one-stop shop.
You’ll be able to chat to experts, receive FREE financial and legal advice, and learn all about schemes like Shared Ownership.
How do you actually buy a house? How can you boost your savings? How do you cope with the rising costs of owning a home? All these questions will be answered at the Manchester Home Show.
You’ll even be able to browse for a home, with leading providers showcasing new properties available across Manchester and the North West, each one suited to first time buyers, second-steppers and those looking to downsize.
There’ll be hundreds of affordable homes available to browse, from apartments to spacious homes.
If you spot your dream home, you’ll even be able to register your interest on the spot.
Sponsors of the event include major providers of first time buyer developments including Gecko Homes, L&Q, Places for People, Plumlife, and Tembo.
The free event will help you get to grips with the vast array of affordable homeownership options available.
Manchester Home Show is taking place in May
Expect live sessions and workshops, plenty of information on affordable housing products, and the chance to meet conveyancing solicitors and mortgage advisors with free one-on-one appointments.
You may also discover affordable buying schemes you didn’t know existed, like Shared Ownership, Deposit Unlock, First Homes, and schemes exclusive to people aged 55 and above.
There’ll be exclusive merchandise, prizes and incentives for all attendees.
The Manchester Home Show comes from Share to Buy, the country’s number one property portal dedicated to affordable homeownership.
The Manchester Home Show will take place on Saturday 31 May 2025 between 10.30am and 4pm, at the Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel.
It’s free to attend but you’ll need to register for tickets – head HERE to register.
You can also follow @sharetobuy on Instagram HERE for the latest.
A brand-new immersive ‘walking theatre’ and XR experience has landed in Greater Manchester
Danny Jones
We hear the word immersive thrown around a lot these days, but if the notion of walking through some of your favourite fantasy and sci-fi worlds in a state-of-the-art XR tour doesn’t fit the definition, we don’t know what does.
Get ready to pull on a headset and be dropped into a different universe, Mancs.
This is Immersia XR: an industry-leading immersive entertainment and XR (extended reality) experience has just been unveiled right here in Greater Manchester.
Anyone for a ride on a magic carpet?
Credit: The Manc GroupCredit: Immersia XR (supplied)
Immersia XR specialises in what they call ‘Walking XR Theatre – a new term for a new kind of experience’, and boasts big plaudits across the board, with an average Google rating of 4.8 from dozens of reviews already.
Having just made its Manchester debut to the public at Trafford Palazzo (located right next to 0161’s famous Trafford Centre) this summer, the new addition brings cutting-edge technology blended with iconic family-favourite tales in an “unforgettable walk-through format.”
A lucky few have been treated to our first time, including us here at The Manc, and you’ll have to take our word for it when we tell you it’s a truly incredible experience.
It’s the first of its kind in the UK and Europe, and although there are other similar VR and AR offerings around the region, you won’t find anything quite like ‘walking theatre’ and this free-roam experience.
Credit: Supplied
As you can see above, there are a number of experiences to be enjoyed right from the off, including two modes inspired by childhood classics, Alice in Wonderland and Tales of Aladdin.
Ever fancied trying your hand as an astronaut and walking on the surface of the moon as you look back at the Earth below? Course you have! No training involved in this one, either.
Take that, Katy Perry, you can keep your short-lived Blue Origin nonsense to yourself.
Immersia XR’s ambition doesn’t stop there, though, as they are also preparing to introduce the exciting new ‘Terracotta Army’ experience in the near future.
Here’s a glimpse at how it looks inside the goggles:
Already open to the public and running up until Sunday, 6 July 2025, Immersia XR is fun for all ages, with kid-friendly zones and accessible narratives built into the experience.
Best of all, there are actually very few bells and whistles; no screens, no controllers – it’s just you walking through the story of your choice.
Immersia XR’s founder, Ian Xiang, said: “We’re not just launching a new attraction—we’re pioneering the future of storytelling. Walking XR Theatre is where cinema, theatre, and technology converge to create magic. You don’t just watch the story—you walk through it.”
Tickets are on sale now, with adult prices starting from only £17, children (ages 3–15) from just £12, and family tickets (2 adults, 2 kids) from £54. Great value for money.
Concession tickets are also available for students and over-65s, priced from £16, and group bookings of 10 or more receive 10% off. You can even get 20% off all ticket types with the early bird code: PRESS20. You can grab yours HERE.