IF Padstow in Cornwall gets nicknamed Padstein because of telly chef Rick Steins culinary empire, then city centre Manchester, particularly Spinningfields, is inexorably becoming Baconville. No bad thing when you consider the extent and variety of Aussie entrepreneur Tim Bacons ambitions in the teeth of a recession, writes NEIL SOWERBY.
His company, Living Ventures already boasts Oast House, Australasia, both Alchemists, the two Grills On The Alley and On New York Street, while. The Restaurant And Lounge@Manchester House, featuring chef Aiden Byrne, is the big gourmet destination on the horizon... or rather high up Tower 12, Spinningfields.
Meanwhile, pipping it to the post is LVs most challenging and exciting restaurant to date, Artisan, due to open towards the end of June 2013 and set in a vast 12,000 square foot, semi-industrial space on the first floor of Avenue North.
Think artists loft studio meets concrete warehouse stripped back and raw... showcasing sculptures, murals, art installations and furniture from the very best artists and craftsmen, a breathless press release tells us. Two wood ovens will burn throughout the day and night. Sounds like a kind of culinary Valhalla.
From the everlasting fires will come flamed meat, fish and unusual pizzas, pick of a modestly priced, rustic menu. The team of chefs will take cooking back to basics; with fresh, interesting ingredients cooked using age-old primal techniques, apparently.
Expect innovative cocktails, too, at this all-day operation.
Tim Bacon says of Artisan: Its the people, the art and the food, you should always leave with a story.
The excitable illustration supplied was created by London based Neasden Control Centre.