Northern cities such as Manchester and Leeds are challenging London’s position as the centre of the UK food scene, according to an annual food ‘cool list’.
Olive magazine said the opening of restaurants, such as The French by well-known restaurateur and chef Simon Rogan and Manchester House by Michelin-starred Aiden Byrne, suggested these cities were being viewed seriously as food destinations.
The magazine pointed to London restaurant Meat Liquor opening in Leeds and Spanish restaurant Iberica looking to add to its three venues in the capital in Manchester, but also the opening of home-grown venues across Leeds, Manchester and Liverpool.
It named the M62 Corridor as one of the ‘coolest’ trends this year, saying: “A northerner had to head to London to experience food’s cutting edge. No more. “Now the capital’s hip outfits are heading north, while, after last year’s headline-grabbing openings at Manchester House and The French, the hits just keep on coming.”
Food writer Tony Naylor, who worked on the list, said: “The recent blossoming of the northern food scene is one of the most significant current trends in UK food.
“Historically, northerners had to travel to London to eat truly modern food, but in the last year, that’s changed radically. Certainly where food and drink are concerned, Liverpool, Leeds and, particularly, Manchester are bouncing.
“In central Manchester, The French and Manchester House are vying for Michelin stars, but across the region – at Volta in Manchester, Salt House Bacaro in Liverpool, the Tapped Brew Company in Leeds, all new openings – there is plenty going on at a more affordable level that is just as exciting.
“You can tell how things have changed by the way hip London brands are now looking to expand here. Meat Liquor is opening in Leeds later this year; Byron (hamburgers) is already in Liverpool and Manchester; and Iberica is reportedly looking for sites in the latter, as are many other London operators.”
Olive editor Christine Hayes said: “There is a new-found boldness in the UK food scene. As we emerge from the longest recession in living memory experimentation and new ideas and launches are coming thick and fast.
“It is also encouraging that there seems to be a move away from the capital being the centre of gravity. Britain remains at the forefront of an ever-changing food revolution and we should all be proud of our innovative food scene.”