My favourite place to eat out in Manchester is… My chosen restaurant in Manchester is Adam Reid at the French in the Midland Hotel. The food is always pushing boundaries and it’s in a fantastic setting. Although the menu doesn’t change very often, it’s a yearly treat for me and my wife and we always find it an incredible experience.
The best dish I’ve eaten in Manchester recently is... It’s either the egg custard tart at Hispi in Didsbury or Adam Reid’s Easy Peeler dessert at The French. Hispi’s egg custard tart is the best I’ve ever had. It’s beautifully set, yet has the perfect wobble when you touch the plate. As well as a great texture, it’s got the balance just right between sweetness and spice. The Easy Peeler at the French is an orange sugar ball filled with white chocolate mousse and a sea buckthorn mousse. The tartness of the sea buckthorn cuts through the sweetness and creaminess of the mousse. It’s hands down one of the best desserts I’ve ever eaten anywhere in the world and I’d love Adam and the team to make a full-sized orange one of these.
My favourite dining room in Manchester is… It used to be Stock before it closed. Now, the beautiful building is turning into Tom Kerridge’s new restaurant, which will be on my list to go asap when it opens. Honey Restaurant (below) in Gotham Hotel is another beautiful dining space. You’re up in the clouds and away from all the hustle and bustle in a glorious art deco setting.
My favourite lunch spot in Manchester is… I wish I had time for lunch! Between working as a commercial pilot and making my chocolate, I’m usually quite time poor during the day. Because of thisI usually grab great street food or a sushi takeaway if I’m in Manchester. I also love the Lawn Coffee shop in the Princess Street Hotel. Never too busy, brilliant drinks, beautiful crockery and a chocolatier’s heaven with some great treats.
If I had to eat only one thing for the rest of my days it would be… Chips, vitamins, carbs and water. Not very foody, but it would provide everything I need – and I love chips.
Originally from Whitley Bay, David Crichton now lives in Bramhall with his wife and works as a pilot for Thomas Cook, flying to long-haul destinations such as New York, Orlando and Cuba. Following his appearance on Masterchef 2018 – where he made the final three contestants – he has now launched his own range of luxury, artisan chocolates, The Careless Collection. Boasting unique flavour combinations and vibrant colours, the chocolate bars, which are presented in beautiful gift boxes, are available to buy online and in independent shops.