Decadent Dining: Grenache Restaurant Now with Head Chef Proprietor

For those who don’t know, Grenache is a cracking little restaurant serving honest, quality modern British food with a real nod to seasonal ingredients. Well worth the trip to Walkden, a lesser known part of Salford.

“recent winner of 2 AA Rosettes,
now Michelin tipped”

It’s become a firmly established suburban favourite – the recent winner of 2 AA Rosettes, now Michelin tipped – and it’s just a hop, skip and a jump (or a 20 minute train ride) from the city centre.

Walkden (Salford with trees) isn’t exactly a foodie’s first choice destination but Grenache Restaurant is one of those hidden gems. Admittedly, it earns fewer points for its interior design than its food. The restaurant is unassuming – like a big terrace house – with a cosy yet class of 99’ decor.

Head chef Mike Jennings and his wife Karen have recently taken over the restaurant and are determined to put their mark on it. Previous owner Huss was a big personality – not all diners fell for his occasionally charming and often challenging demeanour, but he was well known and established the restaurant in its early days.

Jennings is looking to build on that, with fine dining at northern portions and prices. If Grenache were situated in the city centre, they’d be charging three times the price.

Grenache have introduced a brand new wine menu too, as the new owners look to add even more thought to the offering.

The modest size means Grenache has the time to treat every guest as special. Especially those with any dietary requirements or allergies – no embarrassment.

A surprise amuse bouche – Mike’s signature Mackerel with beetroot, orange and goats cheese dressing is a diving introduction. That dish never fails.

But it’s the salt & pepper squid that steals the show. Wonderfully light and perfectly well-balanced with chilli and mango.

And Mr Jennings is enjoying it, despite the extra pressure and the longer hours. “It’s an exciting time. I never thought I’d own my own restaurant – I always enjoyed spending other people’s money. Now it’s turned into a 120 hour week. And that’s before ironing the napkins at home.”

Like Jennings, Grenache is showing absolutely no sign of letting up, and the kitchen is turning out some of the very best modern British food you’ll find in the city at the moment. And that’s why it’s made number 2 in our ‘top 5 restaurants poll.

Wife and newly appointed manager Karen Deveney keeps the chef proprietor in check, despite other distractions. “It’s turned into the craziest year of our lives. With a baby on the way as well. It’s exciting and challenging but hopefully rewarding.”

Good luck to them both.

In December, Grenache are opening Thursday, Friday and Saturday lunchtime (12-2:30pm) to exhibit their Christmas menu.

Watch this space.

Contact & Book

15 Bridgewater Rd, Walkden, Worsley, Manchester M28 3JE

0161 799 8181

grenacherestaurant.co.uk

@grenacherest