16 May 2014

It’s widely known that the Vegetarian Society HQ is based, and was founded in, Altrincham. Its not so well known that the first declaration of giving up meat as a community happened at Christchuch Chapel in Salford’s King Street (just a stone’s throw from Damson’s MediaCityUK site) by a Reverend William Cowherd in 1807.

The Reverend’s initial perspective was that eating meat was sinful, and this alongside health concerns about the questionable cuts of meat available to the poor, led to more people turning their backs on killing animals for food. His followers became known as Cowherdites and it was this movement that eventually led to the formation of the Vegetarian Society in 1847.

Now, more than 160 years later, and to celebrate National Vegetarian Week, Steve Pilling of Damson Restaurants has challenged his chefs to create a completely vegetarian, a la carte tasting menu that is equal in all but name to its carnivorous counterpart.

Meat-free

The Veg Soc’s National Vegetarian Week is all about celebrating a meat-free lifestyle, and as part of this the Society challenge consumers to ‘enjoy a week of deliciously vibrant meat-free food’. The Damson vegetarian tasting menu is designed to be an outstanding example of just how good meat free dining can be – whether you’re a veggie, taking the Veg Soc challenge, or for a tasty change.

THE MENU…

A tasting of Damson's seasonal, vegetable soup

Pearl barley & nettle risotto, wild garlic & Old Winchester crisps

Black olive tuile, tomato mousse, goats cheese & pesto

Miso Aubergine, spring greens, chilli & hazelnut dressing

Elderflower Syllabub, cucumber sorbet, raspberries & Pimms caviar

A selection of 3 English & French artisan cheeses from the cheeseboard, traditional accompaniments, walnut & raisin bread

£30

Please note this some dishes are subject to change

An inspired wine flight is available with this menu – all from biodynamic wineries.

 For more about National Vegetarian Week visit the Vegetarian Society.