SO there was Prestwich happy to be the new Heatons or Monton when suddenly Whitefield is the new Prestwich. Something is definitely stirring foodwise in the suburbs. The new hype around Bury New Road, this time, north of the M60 has been sparked by the arrival of much-travelled chef David Gale (above), currently constructing his own indie restaurant.
Not that cake mecca Slattery across the road is going to be overshadowed – its eponymous chocolatier John reminded us of its enduring quality at this week’s Manchester Food and Drink Awards.
The 2016 Howard and Ruth Award For Outstanding Achievement couldn’t have gone to a more deserving veteran running a quintessential family business. It is nearly 40 years since his dad Bernard opened a confectioner’s in Crumpsall. John followed in Bernard’s footsteps, taking over in 1991. Tapping into the quality sweet-toothed market, it expanded into the former Mason’s Arms in 2004, launching a cookery school and churning out chocolate and bespoke cakes to eat in or take out.
His views on chocolate? It’s such a delicious and healthy food, especially when taken in moderation. A life without chocolate isn’t worth living.”
Wythenshawe-born David Gale has followed a very different culinary path as a fine dining chef in New York and Las Vegas hotels before returning home as head chef at Abode (when it was Rossetti) and the Hilton. Since departing the latter he has done a lot of consultancy work for the likes of Mowgli and Lawn Club, but his plans for Louie, his own place in Spinningfields, never got off the ground.
Which is Whitefield’s gain. Before Christmas they should be welcoming Gale’s 188 Kitchen – a new two-level, 80-cover neighbourhood restaurant, serious competition for the Italians, Roma and Porada, and the South Indian Sindhoor.
"Here we're going to cook my food," he says, "using great ingredients cooked technically and to perfection on a plate... no bells, no whistles, no slate.”
And with fewer overheads than in the city centre. But judging by these two images we found of Slattery and Porada Mr Gale may have to rack up a serious electricity bill.
Slattery, 197 Bury New Rd, Whitefield, Manchester M45 6GE. 0161 767 9303; 188 Kitchen, 188 Bury New Road, Whitefield, M45 6QF.