13 December 2021 by Deanna Thomas

Mary Ellen McTague, chef patron of The Creameries, has released a statement on social media announcing big changes for the Chorlton venue. 

Since it launched in 2018, on the back of a successful crowdfunding effort, the Wilbraham Road restaurant has been praised widely by local and national critics for its tasting menus featuring carefully sourced seasonal ingredients, nose-to-tail butchery and selection of low intervention wines. But Mary Ellen has reluctantly announced that the team will be making significant changes to the business in order to survive. 

Rather than tasting menus, The Creameries will be simplifying its menu, transforming from an occasion restaurant to a more accessible ‘friendly neighbourhood bar.’

“It is with somewhat of a heavy heart that I must tell you that the Creameries we know and love will be changing after 22nd December,” Mary Ellen said in a social media statement issued on Saturday 11th December. 

“Like everyone in this industry and beyond, we’ve had two exceptionally tough years. This, followed by a less vibrant December than we’d hoped for, has meant that the cost of cooking tasting menus and offering the level of service that requires is no longer a sustainable option for us.

“This seems a good moment to thank the suppliers, customers, industry friends and press that have supported us - before, during and beyond the rollercoaster of the last couple of years- but I must make a very special mention to our staff. They have endured the ups and downs of recent times with immense fortitude, and lent their blood, sweat and tears to this little corner of the restaurant universe. Thank you- you are all WONDERFUL.

“We will be closing for a much needed break 22nd December then will re-open early January as your friendly neighbourhood bar, serving simple, affordable and accessible dishes, with the same values of excellent produce and service that are so dear to us.”

However, Mary Ellen, who previously owned celebrated Prestwich restaurant Aumbry, promised that The Creameries will still host a series of special dining events in collaboration with talented and likeminded local chefs.

The statement goes on to say; “We are also very excited to announce a program of supper clubs, pop ups and wine events throughout January, including:

- dinners with our old friends Eddie Shepherd, Ben Humphries from District, Issy Jenkins from Isca, Sam Buckley from Where the Light Gets In, Higher Ground and more

- a residency of incredible Burmese food from Rice Over Everything, and Italian influenced suppers with handmade pasta, focaccia and the like from our own Head Chef Mike Thomas

- discounted wine tastings and bin end sales

Tickets and our January program will be released soon.”

Mary Ellen was keen to outline plans for the venue as soon as possible especially those who have purchased vouchers. “We will honour the monetary value of all vouchers in the new year of course,” she promised, but also warned that “it won’t be the same offer so if you want to get in for our tasting menus, please book in ASAP!”

This won’t be the first dramatic change for the ethical, low waste venue which was set up originally as a collaboration between Mary Ellen, baker Sophie Yeoman and designer Soo Wilkinson who helped transform the formers Edwardian dairy into a dining space. When allowed to open over lockdown, the front area of The Creameries became a natural wine and craft beer shop where people could buy interesting bottles to take home and even refill their own bottles from sustainable containers.

During the pandemic Chef Mary Ellen McTague has also been a pivotal part of setting up Eat Well MCR, a collective of Manchester-based chefs and hospitality professionals working to provide meals to children and families experiencing homelessness, women taking refuge in sheltered accommodation, parents of long-term sick children, foodbanks and schools supporting families experiencing food poverty.

Since April 2020 over 55,000 meals have been delivered across Greater Manchester. Eat Well MCR are raising additional funds by selling beautiful Christmas hampers this year. Full details can be found on their online marketplace. The hampers are available now for delivery nationwide.

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