AN all-vegan bar. Where even the paint and wallpaper are plant-based, ask for a latte and you’re warned it’s with soya milk and amazingly those dyed in the wool Manc brewers Joseph Holt’s are crafting bespoke vegan beers using natural finings. All in a setting, transformed from the past-its-sell-by-date Odd interior into somewhere bright and of the moment with beautiful lighting and murals.
Co-owner Matt Nickson may be forever associated with the jazz vibes of his legendary Matt & Phred’s, now under fresh ownership, but his new Northern Quarter venture ticks boxes that bely any venerable status. The fun factor stays the same.
There have been a few gremlins along the way, including a flooding on the eve of the original launch date, but Folk & Soul is up and running downstairs now with the upstairs space, earmarked as a gig venue naturally, just a week away from opening.
The exclusively vegan food offering is set to expand into a full menu but the current bar snacks give ample evidence of their plant-based commitment. Just don’t expect to find a vegan menu built around meat substitutes Quorn and Seitan. “We’ll be genuinely plant-based, cooking dishes from the freshest vegetables from our region – you can get your protein from nuts,’ Matt told us pre-launch.
The menu devised by co-owner Adam Regan (ex-Gordon Ramsay) is based on fresh daily produce from the likes of Manchester Veg People and Smithfield Market’s organic suppliers. Faves from our first look-in were roasted artichoke hearts marinated in satay sauce with a beansprout slaw (£6.50) and cauliflower skordalia, which combines a roast cauli puree and roast heritage tomato puree with capers and thyme focaccia (also £6.50). Nachos were colourful – blue and yellow corn tortillas, served with mushroom chilli, guacamole, tofu creme fraiche, pico de gallo and coriander – a great sharing plate for £7.50 (main picture by.
Early, early days yet but a distinctive addition to a NQ scene that, odd exceptions apart, has been stagnating of late.
Folk and Soul, 30-32, Thomas St, Manchester M4 1ER