Brewery cooks up kitchen plan as it says cheers to growth
LEEDS brewery Northern Monk has opened its new refectory following the next phase of its growth plan, which has included international beer awards, brewery expansions and numerous ales in development.
Northern Monk Refectory opened in late 2014, a sharply dressed taproom with a kitchen run by local food champions Grub and Grog Shop.
Grub and Grog have since departed, with Northern Monk looking at refining a complete offer as part of its ambitious 2016 plans.
Northern Monk says it wanted to look at “taking things to the next level” with a streamlined, small plates menu and brunch offering and after a long search found head chef Gavin Jackson.
Mr Jackson has over 18 years experience in the kitchen, working for the likes of The Devonshire Arms at Bolton Abbey and training in London. This took him all over, from Canary Wharf to Bethnal Green, via 10 Downing Street, before returning north to work at Cona in Bradford.
Concentrating on British seasonal food, the new kitchen looks to work more closely with the brewery downstairs, creating dishes specifically designed to pair with or in some instances incorporate the beers and ingredients used in the brewing process.
The Refectory Gardens are also set to launch this month, a transformed seating area with planters for growing produce to supply the kitchen.
This will emphasise the brewery’s ‘Grow, Brew and Cook’ community outlook, it says.
Russell Bisset, Northern Monk Brew Co, said: “We wanted to bring the kitchen in-house so that we could streamline the way in which the brewery works with the kitchen, allowing us to focus on cooking with beers brewed downstairs, and to consider how dishes will pair with beers.”
Anja Madhvani, general manager of Northern Monk Refectory, added: “This feels like the time to really prove what we can do, our brew team create some fantastic beers, and have won several accolades and The Refectory is the face of that. It’s great to have a team in The Refectory that are keen to look to the future, and see what we can offer to the scene in Leeds.
“We’re hosting more events, from pub quizzes, salsa classes and lunchtime yoga, to private tastings, beer launches and yard sales (the first one being on June 26th).
“We’re also keen to reach out to the communities around us, working closely with organisations such as The Real Junk Food Project and Simon On The Streets. Northern Monk is all about creativity and collaborative spirit, we are always keen to work with like-minded groups and individuals, and that takes us on some brilliant journeys, ‘never a dull day’ springs to mind!
“I think we’re all at a point where we feel incredibly motivated to showcase what we can do, creating a destination and building our reputation not only nationally, but internationally. Keep your eyes on The Brethren this year… we’re feeling very ambitious.”
