The Forest Side, the Michelin-starred restaurant in Grasmere, will bring its acclaimed dining to Manchester for three days as part of an exclusive residency during this year's Manchester Art Fair.
The restaurant, which sits within a 20-bedroom boutique hotel housed in a Victorian Gothic mansion dating back to 1853, has held its place in the Michelin Guide for ten years. Head Chef Paul Leonard leads the kitchen, which is known for its locally-sourced and foraged menu praised for its 'skilfully prepared, creative dishes'.
Residency Details and Menu
Chef Paul will be in Manchester for three nights from November 19 to 22 at Manchester Central, where he will create bespoke dining experiences for art buyers, collectors and VIP guests. The residency marks the restaurant's first in the city and will showcase the best flavours and seasonal produce of the Lake District.
The Forest Side's tasting menus start from £75 per person for four courses and £105 each for eight courses. Dishes are shaped by the seasons and include sea squid, West Coast shellfish and chorizo stew, new season fallow deer and lightly-cured hand dived scallops.
Partnership with Manchester Art Fair
The limited residency follows last year's collaboration, when Paul and Manchester Central's Executive Chef Matthew Hagan worked together to create an exclusive menu for the fair's art buyers' VIP lunch.
Speaking about the opportunity, Paul said: "I really enjoyed being part of Manchester Art Fair last year, so the opportunity to return for a residency is an exciting one. There is a real connection between art and cooking: both are about creativity, craftsmanship and making something that stays with people.
"My cooking is very much shaped by Cumbria, its landscape and the people who produce such wonderful ingredients here. I'm looking forward to bringing a little of that to Manchester and creating something memorable for guests across the three days."
Event Highlights and Booking
Thom Hetherington, Executive Chair at Manchester Art Fair, added: "Last year's collaboration demonstrated just how naturally exceptional food and exceptional art sit together. We have spent many years building a serious community of collectors here in the North, and we want the experience we offer them to stand alongside that of the world's leading art fairs.
"Paul is an extraordinary chef, and we are delighted to be taking the partnership a step further with a three-night residency. His creativity, attention to detail and commitment to the very best ingredients reflect the qualities we celebrate in the artists and galleries at Manchester Art Fair. It promises to be a very special addition to this year's event."
This year's Manchester Art Fair will also feature artist-led workshops and talks, as well as pop-up installations across the city. Tickets to the event start from £15 per day before booking fees. People can express interest in The Forest Side's residency with head chef Paul Leonard, with the experience costing separate to tickets.
