This is part of a year of exciting developments for the highly acclaimed hotel
Dave Ashton has been appointed the new Executive Head Chef at the Lowry Hotel’s River Restaurant. Ashton replaces former exec chef Andrew Green who left the Lowry after three years to launch Mamucium, a new dining venture within the new Hotel Indigo Manchester next to Victoria Station.
I hope to bring my new creative vision to the restaurant this year
Dave, originally from Warrington, will bring with him a decade of fine dining experience thanks to an impressive history of Executive Head Chef roles at respected hotels including the Crewe Hall Hotel and the Park Royal Hotel. Dave hopes to bring a fresh feel to the restaurant in the five star hotel, plus a bit of northern charm.
Dave’s passion for food started at an early age, being runner-up in the De Vere’s Young Chef of the Year in 2000 and eventually winning the accolade in 2001.
“I am thrilled to join the River Restaurant at the Lowry Hotel Manchester in my new role as Executive Chef,” says Dave. “I hope to bring my new creative vision to the restaurant this year using the local and seasonal produce that the hotel is famous for and creating classic British dishes to a high standard.”
Working with the team, Dave has already started introducing new dishes to the hotel’s classic menu. Confidential went along for a nosey and stars of the new menu were Cornish crab and Scottish smoked salmon with lime, avocado and horseradish sorbet along with a tender ballontine of ‘Frankie Bird’s’ chicken with king oyster mushrooms, leeks and black truffle.
The Lowry has always been a popular destination for afternoon teas and it’s already apparent that Dave is keeping the talented pastry section on its toes thanks to a perfectly executed classic apple tart tatin to share and a deeply satisfying dark chocolate ganache with peanut butter mousse and peanut ice cream.
Dave is expected to fully redevelop a full menu later this year when the restaurant and bar area is expected to undergo exciting major developments.