SPINNINGFIELDS is set to launch ‘The Kitchens Leftbank’ – a competition enabling six up and coming food and beverage operators to battle it out for the chance to run a permanent café-style operation on the estate.

The six finalists will be provided with a fitted unit with a kitchen, storage, refrigeration, service counter and indoor and outdoor seating areas.

The idea, launched on Thursday 12 June at 6.30pm at Quay House, is open to innovative food and beverage entrepreneurs who have an existing business but are keen to take it to the next level by running a permanent café.

All entrants will have a week to submit an initial pitch, which should focus on concept, originality/creativity, product and viability. Twelve ideas will be shortlisted and will then need to submit a business plan within ten days and also give a short presentation to the judging panel.

Six finalists will be chosen and provided with a licensed unit at Leftbank for a six-twelve month period, with each café opening its doors on 1 September

The six finalists will be provided with a fitted unit with a kitchen, storage, refrigeration, service counter and indoor and outdoor seating areas. The space will not be branded or decorated, with each operator given the opportunity to make their mark and create a unique amenity for Spinningfields’ workers and the local community.

After six to 12 months of trading, a winner will be selected through a range of criteria; sales, concept, product, social media, brand, the sustainability of the concept and a public vote.

The winning vendor will be given a prime unit for their business and secure the backing and partnership of award-winning property developer Allied London to allow for the continued development of their business venture.

Confidential thinks this has is a good idea. When Spinningfields initially created riverside restaurant spaces they hunted down bland operators such as Cafe Rouge and Strada who weren't interesting enough to drag punters down from Deansgate and in from Bridge Street - although Gourmet Burger Kitchen and Zizzi have muddled through.

This new initiative seems an interesting way to attract entrepreneurs to think creatively about what is undeniably a good-looking area on the River Irwell. You have to wish the landlords and letting agents of King Street would be as creative. 

To apply people may attend the launch this Thursday. Although operators will be able to sign up post launch via the Spinningfields website.