5 March 2012

Damson and Red Lion win race to serve first British Asparagus in Manchester

Unbeknownst to many, the ‘Race for the First Asparagus’ has become a bit of an annual challenge for some of Greater Manchester’s chefs - with many coveting the scoop of being the first to put it on the menu. This competitive spirit was rife last year between chefs Simon Stanley of Damson and Red Lion, and local celeb Andrew Nutter of Nutters - with Andrew coming out on top in 2011.

Thanks to a record breaking first crop from Wye Valley Asparagus and Cobrey Farms, the Damson and Red Lion restaurants, owned by Simon Stanley and Steve Pilling, have taken the title as the first restaurants in Manchester to serve the British spring veg on their plates in 2012. Asparagus was served on 29th February at both restaurants.

Simon managed to pull off the coup by organising a top-secret trip to Herefordshire, where rumour had it that the first crop was available from Cobrey Farms. He personally collected the first batch to be harvested.

Chris Chinn of Cobrey Farms who arranged the ‘pick up‘ provides asparagus for some of the UK’s top retailers including Marks and Spencer’s. He said: “British asparagus is amongst the most eagerly anticipated produce in the foodie calendar, and we are delighted to be harvesting it earlier than ever this year. Our asparagus is grown with minimal water use and no artificial heat to offer the queen of vegetables to British consumers for longer season than ever. It is great that such high quality independent restaurants and chefs like Simon are so supportive and passionate about British asparagus.”

To complement their early harvest asparagus, the Red Lion and Damson are now serving an English sparkling wine from the Cobrey Farm’s vineyard called Castle Brook. Simon couldn’t resist picking up a supply during his asparagus adventure, and the wine is exclusive to both restaurants in the region.

The Red Lion,112 Buxton Road High Lane, Stockport SK6 8ED Tel: 01663 765227 www.redlionhighlane.co.uk

Damson Restaurant 113 Heaton Moor Rd Stockport SK4 4HY Tel: 0161 432 4666 www.damsonrestaurant.co.uk