Restaurant set to open own premises in city centre in Autumn
Remember when Wagamama and Tampopo had a monopoly on ramen in Manchester?
Those days are long behind us, and now the city is awash with bowls of broth and bobbing boiled eggs.
Adding to that rising tide of ramen restaurants is New Wave Ramen, who are set to open in their own premises on 16 Tib Lane in October.
No geishas, no gimmicks. Just the highest level of service, with great food and drinks, all served in a fun and relaxed space.
Currently ensconced in the artisanal Royal Rumble that is Mackie Mayor, come autumn the ramen restaurant will also be based just off King Street and Cross Street on tiny Tib Lane.
Promising ‘Native produce with Japanese soul’, they will serve ramen bowls by day and a family style menu of small plates and sharing dishes by night.
What makes it New Wave I wonder? Are the boiled eggs carved into the shape of Debbie Harry’s hair? Does David Byrne show you to your seat (then claim credit for the entire evening)?
No, it’s just a name of course. But there is a musical connection. Owners Phil Cook (formerly of Cocktail Beer Ramen + Bun) and Matt Walsh (of beef apostles Tender Cow) will be joined in ownership by Elliot Williams of onetime NME darlings and your Dad’s favourite band, Editors.
“There has long been a link between food and music cultures,” said a statement from the NWR team. “In particular with ramen, and the group hopes to harness this to create a special atmosphere for customers.
“New Wave are bringing together a strong team on all fronts, with experience from Michelin restaurants and ramen shops across Europe. The team will be armed with knowledge and passion for Japanese food and culture, and be ready to share this with their guests from October.
“The venue will be built on the core principles of Japanese hospitality, with the aim to offer the very best experience for customers. No geishas, no gimmicks. Just the highest level of service, with great food and drinks, all served in a fun and relaxed space.”
The long-held connection between music and ramen maybe lost on most, but nonetheless a noodle and broth place that makes its own noodles and bases its menu on the availability of local suppliers is surely a good thing.
In the meantime, the group is launching a crowdfund on 1 August, so why not chuck them a few quid in the interests of Manchester’s flourishing independent food scene.
Otherwise we could be back in the days of wall-to-wall Wagamama’s before you know it….
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