Masterchef comes to Manchester

The North West's only Masterchef winner, Simon Wood, has today announced that his much anticipated restaurant will be at First Street and will be called WOOD - Manchester.

Simon, from Oldham, hopes to create a stylish yet relaxed dining experience offering high end food. The chef, famed for his octopus and squab pigeon in the 2015 series of the show, was described by Greg Wallace as an incredible talent and John Torode said that he took something ordinary and made it special!

Wood plans to put this skill into practice with the menu at WOOD - Manchester as he and his team will bring his passion and creativity for food to life with powerful flavours alongside a little playfulness.

Simon comments; "I have been planning this restaurant for a long time and have a very clear vision for everything from the look and feel of the restaurant to the dishes we'll serve. I want it to be as unfussy as possible with approachable staff, comfortable chairs and dishes guests want to order again and again. The aim is to offer modern interpretations of traditional flavours with a focus on simple, seasonal dishes with the odd surprise along the way."

When it launches this summer WOOD is planning to open Tuesday to Saturday serving a small plates bar menu, and a full service lunch and dinner menu, including special pre-theatre and pre-concert offerings. A tasting menu will also feature, offering seasonal produce and newly developed dishes.

The restaurant will be dominated by the open theatre kitchen, which includes a Josper oven, and will feature a chef's table in addition to a 16 seater private dining room upstairs, which could also accommodate 30 standing for a drinks reception. The interior space, is being designed by Allison Pike architects, and takes its inspiration from nature, with natural wood and wood inspired features throughout.

The restaurant will be located on Jack Rosenthal Street at First Street.

Former Data Manager, Simon (40) started cooking when he could 'reach the top of an oven'. His passion began when, at eight years old, he won a competition to be anything for a day and he chose to be a chef. Thirty years later Simon's MasterChef win saw him fulfilling a dream he has had since he was young.

Since 2015 he has worked as executive chef at Oldham Athletic FC and Oldham Event Centre, most recently launching 'The Boardroom by Simon Wood'.

His areas of passion include fine dining, the art of plating, and teaching. His debut cookbook At Home with Simon Wood – Fine Dining Made Simple launched earlier this year.

For more information about WOOD Manchester visit http://www.woodmanchester.com.

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Posted: Thursday 20th April 2017
ID: 11587 - 1871