Food & drink news ft. Winter Beer Fest, FoodWell healthy eats and new Turkish place Kai

There’s change a plenty as Manchester’s food and drink scene settles in to the new year. Celebrated Vegan restuarant Allotment has had a change of head chef whilst Grindsmith has closed one shop ahead of their move to Bridge Street. With new restaurant openings as well as beer launches there is plenty to keep you going throughout the winter ahead.

Pioneering vegan chef Matt Nutter Leaves Allotment
After just three months of moving his plant based restaurant into the city centre, Matt Nutter has announced he is stepping down as head chef of Allotment. The Manchester Food and Drink Award Chef of The Year 2017 has stepped down for personal reasons after the success of his Stockport bistro lead to an expansion into the city centre. It seems the restaurant is in safe hands, though with Masterchef: The Professionals contestant Adam Levy taking over as Head Chef.
Allotment, Lloyd’s house, 18-22 Lloyd Street, Manchester M2 5WA. Tel: 0161 478 1331 www.allotmentvegan.co.uk

Grindsmith Deansgate closes/opening new store on Bridge Street
Deansgate has lost one of its most popular coffee spots as Grindsmith shuts its doors after admitting a tougher than expected 2018. Those who loved the coffee roaster’s flagship store shouldn’t worry too much though as they are opening a new site on Bridge Street as well as moving into the online world with a new webstore and app. The Bridge Street site should be open within a few weeks with the promise of an ‘iconic feature’ in the new space.
Grindsmith, 62 Bridge Street, Manchester M3 3BW, www.grindsmith.com

FoodWell Healthy Restaurant to open in Salford
The end of February will see the opening of FoodWell, a LA-inspired yoga and mindfulness restaurant. The New Bailey area at the bottom of Spinningfields welcomes the space that aims to promote all things health – whether it’s the yoga studio, the smoothies, or the previously mentioned mindful restaurant. Perfect for those who got on a health kick to start the year.
FoodWell, One New Bailey, M3 5JL, opens February, www.facebook.com

Manchester Union Lager & more At Winter Beer Fest
Manchester has gained quite a reputation or itself on the world beer scene with names like Cloudwater, Track and Blackjack setting the craft ale market alight. Now, however, sees Manchester’s first craft lager brewer launch. Manchester Union Lager will be available for the first time this weekend and you can get your lips around it at the Winter Beer Fest at Fairfield Social Club. With five sessions to choose from, and 30 other brewers for those who don’t fancy lager, you can still get all your ale needs sorted.
Winter Beer Fest, Fairfield Social Club, Temperance St, M12 6HR, Friday 18th – Sunday 20th Jan, £5.87-£16.42, www.eventbrite.co.uk

Kai Restaurant launches on Deansgate
New Turkish restaurant, Kai, launches officially this week on Deansgate. Whilst the new restaurant from the team behind Zouk has been open quietly since the start of this year, this week sees them ‘officially’ open. The colourful flowers adorning the ceiling have already become a talking point and diners can expect typical meaty dishes inspired by Turkish al fresco dining.
Now open, KAI, 82-84 Deansgate, Manchester M3 2ER, 0161 832 3431. www.houseofkai.co.uk

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