Palates meet palettes with three leading local culinary artists

Three exciting new dining experiences are coming to Manchester Art Gallery as part of Manchester Food and Drink Festival. Leading chefs Mary Ellen McTague, Simon Shaw and Aiden Byrne are creating a series of one-off supper clubs, uniting two of life’s greatest pleasures – food and art - over the course of three evenings. 

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Mary Ellen McTague

Taking the gallery exhibitions as their inspiration, the dining events will celebrate the food, drink and lives of some of the most well-known artists. The inaugural event was held back in April with the successful ‘Dine with Da Vinci’, along with an authentic spread from Italian favourites Salvi’s.

The next event will be ‘A Midsummer Nordic Feast’ on Friday 28 June with acclaimed local chef Mary-Ellen McTague (£55). Inspired by all things Scandanavian and the popular Nordic Craft and Design exhibition at the gallery, the evening includes a drinks reception, private tour, and a four-course banquet. The atrium will be transformed into a Scandi haven with ambient music and iconic decor. 

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El Gato Negro's Simon Shaw
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Aiden Byrne from Restaurant Mcr

A Spanish feast is next up with ‘Get Together with El Gato Negro’s Simon Shaw’ on Saturday 7 September (£65). The innovative chef will create a Spanish sharing menu inspired by new group show ‘Get Together and Get Things Done.’ Like all classic supper clubs, there will be live music and entertainment throughout the evening. 

The final event on Saturday 5 October sees Aiden Byrne of Restaurant MCR, joining forces with gallery curators for ‘The Art of Dining’ (£80.) Each of the six-courses on his tasting menu will be inspired by a different piece of art, spanning the entire collection at Manchester Art Gallery. Aiden, who is famously the youngest in the UK to secure a Michelin star, and the curators, will accompany guests on their culinary journey with a live commentary. 

The three dining experiences start at 7pm and tickets are available here