Those who have been keeping the faith when it comes to more tasty vegan restaurant options in Manchester have been rewarded this week as Northern Soul-inspired Indian streetfood purveyor This Charming Naan announces a kitchen takeover at The Deaf Institute.

Known for its inventively topped naans, meat alternatives and passion for all things music, the move to one of Manchester’s most iconic music venues is a fitting one. Serving from Wednesday to Sunday, 4pm to 10pm, the 56-seat restaurant will be available to both walk-ins and bookings.

We are a huge fan of live music, and to be working with such a prestigious venue means so much to us

Previously a festival staple before the effects of the pandemic took hold, This Charming Naan has built up a loyal following on food delivery platforms Just Eat and Deliveroo, with a pop-up at Oxford Road’s Hatch also proving popular.

Burgerism Begins At Home A Lamb Alternative Based Burger At This Charming Naan A Vegan Restaurant At The Deaf Institute In Manchester — **Burgerism begins at home, a lamb alternative kofta burger on a bed of dressed kale with pakora sauce** Image: This Charming Naan

Last night I dreamed some bhaji loved me

Founded by The Smiths superfan chef Max Paley in March last year and ran with fellow chef Joe Moores, many of the restaurant’s dishes are named after The Smiths songs, all of which are vegan friendly. Something Morrissey himself would approve of but would no doubt also find something wrong with.

This Charming Naan has built up a cult following with plaudits coming from far and wide, most noticeably from those associated with Max’s heroes. Former Smiths drummer Mike Joyce was given naming duties for one of the dishes on the menu and Johnny Marr’s son has also shown his approval.

The menu itself covers curries, naans, meat alternatives, vegan nods to fish and chip shop favourites as well as (the boy with the thorn in his) sides. On the curry front, diners can order from options including madras is murder or the signature girlfriend in a korma, whilst other options on the menu include a burgerism starts at home lamb alternative vegan patty burger or the this charming chip naan.

This Charming Naan In Manchester Has Set Up A Vegan Restaurant At The Deaf Institute — **More music-themed curry puns than you can shake a stick at** Image: This Charming Naan

All curries are available with rice and allow for a mixture of sauces and fillings that include broccoli, cauliflower and meat alternatives to chicken, lamb and prawns. Fans of both music puns and vegan food may also appreciate pakora on the streets of London cauliflower wings served with pakora sauce and the supergrass - pan-fried broccoli on a bed of lemon kale leaves.

All of which certainly makes for a veggie ying to Northern Soul’s meat and dairy-heavy yang. All Northern Soul loving foodies unequivocally catered for.

A Vegan Curry Option At This Charming Naan Which Will Now Run The Kitchen At Manchester Gig Venue The Deaf Institute — **All curries are available with rice and allow for a mixture of sauces and fillings** Image: This Charming Naan

Continuing The Deaf Institute’s vegan traditions

The new face of The Deaf Institute’s restaurant caps the end of a turbulent time for the Manchester music venue. Reopening its doors in July this year, the venue faced closure in July 2020 before being taken over by Tokyo Industries. The future now looks noticeably healthier, with music and club books deep into the next year.

This Charming Naan’s arrival also continues the venue’s vegan food traditions with The Deaf Institute one of the first in the city, back in 2016, to offer a vegan-orientated menu.

Bhajis Wings And Burgers All Vegan Are Available At Manchester Music Inspired Indian This Charming Naan — **This Charming Naan also deal in topped naans, cauliflower wings and pakoras** Image: This Charming Naan

Manager of The Deaf Institute Joe Finnegan said:

“We are really excited to welcome old and new friends to the venue with this awesome dining service. We were one of the first restaurants in the city to embrace a vegan led menu with our popular Vegan Hangover Sunday sessions and embarking on this new exciting partnership with Max and This Charming Naan will enable us to continue our legacy of being one of the top-quality vegan dining spots in Manchester.”

Founder and Head Chef at This Charming Naan Max Paley said:

“We are a huge fan of live music, and to be working with such a prestigious venue means so much to us. Diners can expect a menu with flavours louder than bombs in a rock n roll dining room providing the coolest atmosphere and music. We are fully vegan restaurant with a vegetable fuelled menu and some amazing meat substitutes for those that crave that bite.”

Heaven knows we’re tempted to go vegan now.

This Charming Naan, 135 Grosvenor St, Manchester M1 7HE

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