3-star Spanish chef headlines hospitality showcase

AN internationally-renowned chef who holds three Michelin stars across two restaurants in his native Spain, will be the star attraction at the forthcoming Northern Restuarant & Bar trade show.

Nancho Manzano, who is behind Casa Marcial in the Asturian mountains and La Salgar in Gijón, is also executive chef of Iberica, which is opening its first restaurant outside London at Spinningfields in Manchester this autumn.

Manzano, who appears on Spain’s version of Masterchef, will be joined at the event in March at Manchester Central by highly-regarded UK chefs Kenny Atkinson, Michael O’Hare and Simon Shaw, who is in the process of moving the long-established El Gato Negro Tapas to Manchester.

In addition, Michael Wignall, who holds two Michelin stars and 5 AA rosettes for The Latymer, and who is  is overseeing the cuisine at the new Hotel Football, is also showcasing his talent at the event.

Thom Hetherington, chief executive of Northern Restaurant & Bar, said: “Northern operators are thriving, and big names are rushing to embrace the region. Our job is to make sure Northern Restaurant & Bar reflects this surge of commercial and creative vibrancy.”

The events features more than 250 exhibitors, 50 tastings, talks and demonstrations.