Expect artisan sandwiches and high-quality pastries
Belgian businessman Simon Dasnoy is to launch his first artisan sandwich bar and bakery, Robert & Victor, in Manchester this November.
The new venue, in Bruntwood’s grade II-listed St James’ building on Oxford Street, has been named after Simon’s grandfathers who were both farmers.
The focus will be on using natural ingredients and locally sourced produce with no additives, flavour enhancers or preservatives. This is illustrated by the company motto “Retour à l’essentiel” meaning ‘back to basics’.
The concept is named after my grandfathers, who worked really hard as farmers to give the best products...
Robert & Victor will serve a selection of over fifteen seasonal sandwiches, with innovative fillings such as ‘Le Louisiane’ which combines homemade Cajun sauce, British chicken breast, cashew nuts, pineapple, carrots, tomatoes, mixed leaves.
These will be made using breads supplied by Lovingly Artisan, the Lake District company who bake slow proved sourdough loaves with organic flour from heritage wheat.
High-quality pastries and French patisserie will be supplied by Didsbury’s award-winning Bisous-Bisous to be served with a range of gourmet teas and coffees.
Robert & Victor will also be the first UK retailer to sell Belgian pralines from artisan chocolatier François Deremiens. Hailing from the same village as Simon, Deremiens has established an international reputation for his handmade chocolate and is listed amongst the top ten chocolatiers in Belgium.
Dasnoy said: “I’m extremely excited to open my first venture here in Manchester. I visited many places in the UK as part of my market research and Manchester really stood out. It’s a dynamic city, full of opportunity, with a huge market for the types of products we will offer.
"The concept is named after my grandfathers, who worked really hard as farmers to give the best products to their family and customers. That’s what I want to do at Robert & Victor. I’m passionate about delivering natural, wholesome and delicious products."
