VEGANUARY, Dry January are all distant memories, so ToM needs to indulge in a new kind of reinvigorating guilt trip so we’re considering subscribed to Foodwell, an ambitious food, drink and wellness hub opening at One New Bailey from Thursday, February 28.
There’ s a wealth of studio yoga and meditation classes on offer but we’ve got our eye on the teatime Sensory Sound Bath Sessions: “Join Ashleigh Guthrie for a feast of the senses using guided meditation, chocolate, ancient healing arts and aroma touch. Immerse yourself in the healing vibrations of Tibetan Singing Bowls, quartz crystal singing bowls and Solfeggio healing pipes.”
Yes, it’s the chocolate that’s selling it to us. Seriously, maybe more so the presence in the kitchens of Matthew Nutter (below) as full-time development chef. The 2017 Manchester Food and Drink Awards Chef of the Year quit his city centre project, Allotment on Lloyd Street before Christmas but is recreating the vegan vibe with Foodwell's ''Plantt' brand within the site.
He told us: "It's the best move I've ever made. It's completely remade my passion for creating plant-based food again."
Foodwell, championing organics, sustainability and superfoods, is the latest health-centric project from ex party king Christian Coates, who we remember over a decade ago running the decadent Cocoa Rooms (we still own the complimentary Brazilian football shirt from one caipirinha-fuelled bash).
Foodwell is very different. The ‘on the go’ deli counter, open till 5pm, serves up Grind coffee, freshly pressed juices and ‘build your own’ Poke, Ramen and Kitchari bowls.
The 120 cover restaurant will serve breakfast daily, followed by a globally-influenced small and large plate menu featuring the likes of seabass and prawn curry and charred cauliflower shawarma plus the Plantt menu. In the bar sharing of dishes such as lobster nachos and cheeseburger tacos will be encouraged.
Weekends bring brunch with a Mimosa and Bloody Mary drinks list, superfood cocktails, live music and even a roast (we don’t expect that to be quite as Ayurvedic).
Before the official opening of FoodWell at One New Bailey there will be 50 per cent off food from 6pm on February 25 and all day on February 26 and 27. There will also be 50 per cent off classes from February 26 until March 3.