Restaurant in the running to be crowned best in Manchester launches ‘new chapter’

WOOD Manchester, created by Masterchef winner Simon Wood marked its sixth year at its First Street location with ‘a new chapter.’

The restaurant, currently a nominee for Best Manchester Restaurant at The British Restaurant Awards has moved away from the tasting menu format to one focused around small and big plates, but still retaining its fine dining qualities and personality.

The result will be that diners can try an array of dishes or simply have a few small plates and a glass of wine – all to suit their social occasion, be it a working lunch, a pre-theatre treat, or a full-on family celebration.

Simon Wood said: “WOOD has always been about bringing passion and creativity together to meet powerful flavours in an unintimidating environment and this still rings true.

“We are all about welcoming diners to an exciting place to experience high quality dishes in quietly luxurious surroundings and the dishes we have created offer playful flavour combinations, that make a fun dining experience that really delivers.”

The new format presents a relaxed experience with more choice to suit all occasions and combines new dishes full of flavour alongside some of the most popular dishes loved by the many fans of WOOD.

The menu features favourites including Koji Cured Bavette and Simon’s cheeky take on Ham, Egg and Chips; plus some exciting new dishes such as chicken glazed lamb sweetbreads and celeriac shawarma.

The restaurant’s Josper Charcoal grill will remain at the core of the cooking and the menu will feature a showcase selection of Fire and Flame dishes including BBQ Hen of the Woods, Herb Smoked Bacon Chop and Monkfish XO.

All dishes will continue to use responsibly sourced ingredients and from local suppliers where possible.

Wood continues: “We are looking forward to bringing this new chapter. Over the years we have built some great friendships here at WOOD and we can’t wait to make new ones.

“The beating heart of our kitchen, our huge pass, will be full of action and it will be a true experience. I am so proud of what we have achieved as a team here and cannot wait to welcome new people to be part of our story.”

During its six years in the city, WOOD has continually evolved and created memorable offerings from Tomahawk Tuesdays, Fine dining, Wood at Home and Homage.