Following the announcement (or rather, series of leaks) that outspoken Michelin starred Chef Michael O’Hare has been appointed by GG Hospitality, owned by Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville, a recent interview with Restaurant magazine has revealed more details.
He has described plans for the main dining room as ‘phenomenal’
While Man Behind the Curtain, his fine dining restaurant in Leeds, will be unaffected, O’Hare - who this week made a guest appearance on Masterchef - has been appointed as Creative Director for GG Hospitality, which incorporates Hotel Football and Cafe Football.
There is no intention for him to influence those brands; the plan is for him to head-up the food offering at a brand new luxury boutique hotel in the former Stock Exchange building off Market Street - bought by GG Hospitality in February 2015.
The project isn’t expected to be completed for another eighteen months, but plans are afoot for a mainly food and beverage-led venue housing three restaurants.
With the hotel having just over 30 bedrooms, most of them suites, expect restaurants with rooms, rather than the other way round.
The chef says he's keen to create ‘a Mecca for people who love food’.
“I’m not quite sure about the direction," O'Hare told the magazine. "There are going to be three restaurants in the building and they are all going to be quite different.
"I’m not saying one is going to be McDonalds and one the Gavroche but there will be different levels of enjoyment. Not necessarily for the poor and the rich. I like the idea you could stay there and do all three."
O'Hare has described plans for the main dining room as ‘phenomenal’, thanks in particular to Gary Neville’s vision and his keenness to support the positive creative development of the city.
The combination of Man Behind the Curtain winning a Michelin star and O’Hare’s appearance on Great British Menu resulted in 7,800 bookings over a three week period. GG Hospitality are clearly hoping this new partnership brings similar numbers to Manchester city centre.