Back in December 2021, we revealed that Mary Ellen McTague, chef patron of The Creameries in Chorlton, had announced that the team will be making significant changes to the business in order to survive. The plan was to drop the tasting menus and simplify the menu, transforming the highly regarded restaurant to a more accessible ‘friendly neighbourhood bar.’
Image: Rebecca Lupton Photography
It has now been announced that head chef Mike Thomas will take over the restaurant’s menu from February 3rd, making fresh pasta, bar snacks and focaccia every day.
After stints in the kitchens of Bright, Rochelle Canteen and Leroy, as well as Stockport’s Where the Light Gets In, and a couple of years at Honest Crust, Mike joined the Creameries as a Chef de Partie in 2019, quickly progressing to Head Chef in September 2020. Working closely with The Creameries’ owner Mary-Ellen McTague, he has been able to hone his craft.
Image: Rebecca Lupton Photography
Mike has also spent the last few years hosting Umbra Food, a roving supper club around Manchester and it’s finally time for his hearty (yet refined) ingredient-led cooking to have a more permanent home.
Chef Mike’s new menu will feature Southern European country cooking with a commitment to impeccable seasonal ingredients. With pasta dishes starting from £10; starters, salads and desserts between £7 to £14; and three courses for £30 (on Sundays), Campagna at The Creameries moves away from previous fixed-price ‘special occasion’ menus.
Image: Rebecca Lupton Photography
Typical Winter starters of roast candy beetroot or palourde clams with chickpeas, pastis and rouille will make for new seasonal dishes once the bounty of spring arrives. Rustic main courses might include cuttlefish stew with braised fennel, and confit duck leg with puy lentils. However, staple classics, such as beef shin or wild rabbit ragu will remain on the menu all year round. Desserts including hazelnut torte with zabaglione cream reflect Mike’s passion for baking and the culinary influences of southern European countries.
Image: Rebecca Lupton Photography
On Sundays, the menu turns ‘Al Forno’- where guests can tuck into bubbling lasagne alla ragu bolognese or king oyster mushroom vincisgrassi (a style of vegetarian lasagne) accompanied by a crisp green salad, followed by a classic tiramisu or a plate of cheese supplied by Lancashire’s excellent Courtyard Dairy. There will also be a new children’s menu including fresh pasta with butter and cheese, and chocolate cake, making it an ideal neighbourhood spot for the whole family.
Campagna at The Creameries will work in close collaboration with local suppliers such as Littlewoods Butchers and Cinderwood Market Garden, who will grow fruit, vegetables and herbs especially for Campagna.
As you’d expect, the wine list remains a key, carefully curated part of the offer, with a focus on delicious, low-intervention Italian wines that match perfectly with pasta dishes.
Image: Rebecca Lupton Photography
“It sounds pretty simple but I'm most excited about making people delicious food,” says Chef Mike Thomas on taking over The Creameries with his Campagna concept.
“It's been a pleasure working with Mike this last couple of years, and to see his skills and confidence grow,” says Creameries owner Mary-Ellen McTague. “I'm so excited to see Campagna come to fruition. Chorlton is in for a treat."
Reservations for Campagna at The Creameries open on Tuesday 1st February and the first service is on Thursday 3rd February at 5pm.
Campagna at The Creameries , 406 Wilbraham Rd, Manchester M21 0SD
Open Thursday & Friday 5pm -10pm, Saturday 12 - 10pm, Sunday 12 - 5pm
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Also read: WHO'S DOING THE GRUB AT THE NEW CONTACT BAR AND KITCHEN?