BANISH the dreaded Brexit from the agenda for a moment by tucking into the best that Belgium can offer us foodwise. That’s certainly ToM’s intention as welcome Robert & Victor to Manchester city centre.
Belgian entrepreneur Simon Dasnoy will launch this artisan sandwich bar and bakery in the glorious St James’ building on Oxford Street this November.
The outlet, Simon’s first, is named after his grandfathers who were both farmers, and will serve seasonal sandwiches, acclaimed home-baked breads from Lovingly Artisan in the Lake District, high-quality pastries and award-winning Belgian chocolates.
With a focus on natural ingredients and locally sourced produce its motto “Retour à l’essentiel” meaning ‘back to basics’ reflects its ethos for using no additives, flavour enhancers or preservatives in its products.
Customers will be able to choose from a selection of over 15 innovative recipes. Le Louisiane for instance combines homemade Cajun sauce, British chicken breast, cashew nuts, pineapple, carrots, tomatoes and mixed leaves.
Robert & Victor will also be the first UK retailer to sell Belgian pralines from artisan chocolatier, François Deremiens. Hailing from the same village as Simon, Deremiens has established an international reputation for his handmade chocolate and is listed amongst the top 10 chocolatiers in Belgium. We don’t know what this confection from their Facebook site is but we crave it!
All this will be complemented by gourmet tea and coffee and a selection of French patisseries, supplied by Didsbury’s Bisous-Bisous.
Simon told us: “I’m extremely excited to open my first venture here. I visited many places as part of my market research and Manchester really stood out. It’s a dynamic city, full of opportunity, with a huge market for the types of products we will offer.
“The concept is named after my grandfathers (one of whom is pictured with Robert above), who worked really hard as farmers to give the best products to their family and customers. That’s what I want to do at Robert & Victor. I’m passionate about delivering natural, wholesome and delicious products.
Widely considered to be one of the finest period buildings in Manchester, Bruntwood’s Grade II listed St James’ building dates back to 1912. Its most recent food tenant was the Real Junk Food Project.
