ONCE we’d heard former Allotment chef Matthew Nutter had been given free rein to create a vegan menu at Foodwell, Christian Coates’ ambitious new food, drink and wellness hub we couldn’t resist popping in for a peek at the decor and the soft launch menus.
We did resist signing up for one of studio yoga and meditation classes already under way in the spectacular site One New Bailey site. Our interest lay in former Manchester Chef of the Year Matthew’s trialling dishes. small and large plates under the Plantt. banner.
Matthew had told ToM "It's the best move I've ever made. It's completely remade my passion for creating plant-based food again.”
The feeling is mutual. Foodwell operating director Paul Newman (ex-Living Ventures and
New Moon Pub Co), while showing us around the 120 cover restaurant, 30ft bar and studio spaces, said: “Matthew is inspirational. We are all about sustainability and living more healthily and his food fits the bill perfectly. And it tastes amazing.”
We can’t wait to try courgette scallops with celeriac spaghetti, smoked cashew nut, wilted samphire and toasted almond or, among the larger plates, a shiitake and puy lentil burger with baby gem and pickled red cabbage.
Do note that the vegan menu is just part of a larger food offering from breakfast onwards featuring the likes of seabass and prawn curry, tuna sahimi, ramen, charred cauliflower shawarma and black cod with miso dip, or, in the bar, sharing dishes such as lobster nachos and cheeseburger tacos. The ‘on the go’ deli counter, open till 5pm, serves up Grind coffee, freshly pressed juices and ‘build your own’ Poke, Ramen and Kitchari bowls. Oh, and there’s proper booze along the bar and music in the evening.
Christian (main picture) says of his latest project, an extension of his health-centric Soulmatefood operation: “Mind, body and soul is all about how we nurture and take care of ourselves day to day, being mindful and making conscious decisions about the food we eat and the drinks we drink without depriving ourselves.
“We aren’t here to preach, we are here to help and inform. Our main aim was to have a concept that disrupts the market – something people didn’t realise that they needed but once they’ve experienced it, they can’t live without.”
Foodwell, One New Bailey, New Bailey Street, Salford M3 5JL. Tel: 0161 989 4040.
