The creative team behind popular Leeds venue House of Fu has revealed they are to open in Manchester next year.
Situated on Portland Street, in the space formerly occupied by Leaf, House of Fu Manchester will offer ramen, vibrant rice dishes, home-made Gyoza and an extensive plant-based range. These will all be paired with cocktails, craft beer, sake and wines. The venue will also include a late night party bar, a secret outdoor terrace and bookable karaoke rooms with cocktails and gyoza supplied on demand.
House of Fu began in 2014 as a smash hit pop-up at Belgrave Music Hall soon picking up ‘Best of the Best’ at that year’s British Street Food Awards. The team continued to develop the concept, gathering inspiration during trips to New York, Tokyo, Portland and Los Angeles before testing out their ideas at various venues and music festivals.
The first House of Fu opened in 2021 on The Headrow in Leeds garnering a serious following thanks to their creative takes on Japanese favourites such as Chicken Kyiv Gyoza and a vegan friendly Cauliflower Katsu Sando. Heading up the kitchen will be Ben Iley, a long-time collaborator of the team and former head chef at Headrow House’s Michelin recommended restaurant, Ox Club.
Ben began his culinary career in 1996 but was unhappy with the quality of the ramen he was producing. Unable to find anywhere in the UK with the level of detail he aspired to, he decided to visit Tokyo. One month turned into ten years during which Ben worked at some of the country’s top restaurants including Aquavit, The Tokyo American Club and Fujimamas (where he met his wife, Masayo.) He also worked with many world-renowned chefs including Marcus Samuelsson, Bill Granger and Ivan Orkin, the chef behind the internationally acclaimed Ivan Ramen.
“Going for a bowl was the thing to do in Tokyo, it was almost a competition amongst friends to take the group to their newest find or introduce them to their favourite neighbourhood Ramen bar,” says Ben.
“It’s that excitement and love for a good bowl we want to bring to Manchester. Whilst the core menu will consist of some firm favourites, each week the kitchen team will be challenging their creativity, producing their own specials to serve up so our guests can enjoy something different and new every time they visit. We want House of Fu to be somewhere chefs want to train as much as they want to eat.”
House of Fu owners Simon Stevens (CEO) and Ashley Kollokowski (CMO) are pioneers of the Leeds noughties live music scene and were responsible for live music programming at The Cockpit (Simon), The Faversham and Nation of Shopkeepers (Ash) for the better part of a decade.
In 2013 the pair joined forces to open Belgrave Music Hall, a venue known as much for the quality of its pizza as live gig listings. Over the following eight years the pair opened Headrow House, Ox Club and Water Lane Boat House as well as producing festivals, gigs and street food event across the Leeds. House of Fu is their latest concept and is one they intend on growing in years to come.
“Manchester is home to some of our favourite restaurants and shops and it’s been great getting to know the city a little more whilst looking for a home for House of Fu,” says Simon after finding their ideal Manchester site at Bruntwood Works’ West Village Building. “There’s such an exciting food scene in Manchester and there seems to be more great openings announced every week, we’re really excited to be part of it!”
Whilst the team are heavily influenced by the bowl culture and aesthetics of L.A and Tokyo Ramen bars, they are also known for their collaborations with local artists and creators. As the plans for the space develop, the HoF team will be scouring Manchester and the surrounding areas for the suppliers, makers and creators who will help to shape the look and feel of the Manchester space. Manchester-based design studio Up North Architects are working with the House of Fu team on the design of the Portland Street site.
To keep up with the latest news and developments, sign up to the mailing list at www.hellohouseoffu.com or follow @house_of_fu on Instagram.
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