Innovative Spinningfields dining concept The Kitchens, has announced its six finalists and subsequent launch date. The unique start-up competition will launch 21 May within the newly-developed Leftbank neighbourhood in Spinningfields.
Start-ups, chefs and street food
In spring 2014, Spinningfields owner developer Allied London called out to the region’s most promising hospitality start-ups, chefs and street food traders to enter their concepts for The Kitchens. The response was overwhelming, with hundreds of hopefuls registering their interest from across the North West.
From business plans to tastings and live pitches, The Kitchens inspired professionals from all over the region. Judged by The Kitchens board, which comprises of some of the country’s most esteemed hospitality experts, applicants have battled to reach the shortlist of six vendors who have the opportunity to make their pitches a reality and in turn the ultimate goal of winning a permanent space within Spinningfields.
Six finalists
And now, the work really begins. For the nexttwelve months the six finalists (pictured top) will continue to be judged by Allied London and The Kitchens board via a range of criteria including turnover, brand and overall concept. The winner will secure further backing, mentoring investment from Allied London. The six finalists opening in The Kitchens are:
Bangers & Bacon
Chaat Cart
Hip Hop Chip Shop
Mumma Schnitzel
Wholesome and Raw
Yakumama
The Kitchens finalists have worked with industry leaders to design their own spaces within The Kitchens, building their brand and developing new menus for the highly lucrative Spinningfields market.
Collaborative environment
Michael Ingall, Chief Executive of Allied London “The Kitchens is a truly collaborative environment; a new concept to the city featuring communal indoor and outdoor seating areas, world class interiors and most importantly finalists cooking out of their kitchens, serving straight from the pass to the diner.
“Spinningfields is entering into a new generation of international development with its food and drink offering alone fast becoming globally recognised. The Kitchens will form the backbone of our new neighbourhood Leftbank, encapsulating its new, dynamic and forward thinking environment.
“We’ve seen how successful independent operators can be in Spinningfields, and with the right concept and delivery, these vendors could have a bright future on the estate.”
Bricks and mortar toehold
Thom Hetherington, CEO of Northern Restaurant and Bar, and also of the Kitchens Board says, “The Kitchens is a brilliant project to be part of as it gives a bricks and mortar toehold for talented food entrepreneurs who currently work from temporary or mobile facilities. It shines a light on their talent and their offering, and offers crucial support and structure to their fledgling businesses. It’s a model that should be replicated across the country, but it happened here first in Manchester.”
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