Marco Pierre White is to open a brand new restaurant on Canal Street, Manchester that takes its theme from the classic English Chophouse.
Called Mr. White’s English Chophouse, the restaurant will be located in the Velvet Hotel that included the hugely popular Velvet Restaurant and is now owned by KRO Hospitality.
Due to open in April, the menu focuses around steaks and grills and combines English classics alongside the French flair that epitomises Marco’s cooking style, resulting in him becoming the youngest chef to achieve three Michelin stars.
The Manchester chophouse is the second to open in the UK and closely follows a new venue in Whitechapel, London.
Operated under licence from the celebrity chef’s Black & White Hospitality business, plans are to roll out the concept in further locations during the next two years.
Mr White’s English Chophouse is Black & White Hospitality’s fifth restaurant brand alongside Steakhouse Bar & Grill, New York Italian, Wheeler’s of St James and Bardolino Pizzeria, Bellini & Espresso Bar.
Nick Taplin, CEO and owner at Black & White Hospitality, said: “Mr White’s English Chophouse is sure to be a hit with diners and we’ll be looking to increase the number of venues over the coming 12 months.
“A lot has changed in the past few years and the demand for authentic, simple dishes has become increasingly popular. This is a trend we believe is here to stay.
“This concept is designed to offer a fresh alternative, where authentic, uncomplicated food served promptly is absolutely essential.”
Mr Kim Eivind Krohn, owner of KRO Hospitality said: “Having taken over the iconic Velvet Hotel Restaurant & Bar we’re now investing a significant amount of time and capital to open this fantastic new restaurant in what is one of Manchester’s most vibrant and exciting places to go out. Velvet Bar will continue to trade as normal and has just re-opened after a major refurbishment.
“It’s the perfect setting being close to all the major attractions of the city centre and the elegant surroundings of the new restaurant will make this a great place to come and enjoy some classic British food.
“To bring someone as iconic and important as Marco Pierre White to the centre of Manchester is something that will provide the area a huge boost in terms of attracting people looking for somewhere to eat and enjoy their leisure time.
“It should not be underestimated what it means for both the area and city.”
Commenting on the new restaurant Marco said: “What’s appealing about the chophouse is its simplicity. The menu is very simple and the whole idea is to be generous with the portions and to make things affordable.
“Another reason behind Mr White’s Chophouse is to revive what is a distinctively British idea, so it’s great to see it coming to fruition.”
When open, restaurant goers will be able to choose from a range of succulent joints alongside some well-loved British classics. Starters include Hickory smoked baby back ribs, Rillettes of duck with green peppercorn and Seared sea scallops with black pudding.
Staying true to the English chophouse the mains feature a range of meats and some of Marco’s personal dishes. These include The pig mixed grill with English mustard sauce, Roast rump of lamb a la Dijonnaise, Roast chicken a la forestiere and The Governor’s fried haddock and triple cooked chips.