Too Many Critics is back – with Manchester food writers swapping pens for pans for charity

It’s one of the most fun events in the Manchester food and drink calendar – and for critics and food writers, one of the most daunting.

Yes, Too Many Critics is back, this year at Cultureplex, raising money for global humanitarian organisation Action Against Hunger.

The annual event sees some of the North’s top restaurant critics and food writers experiencing life on the other side of the pass – donning chef whites to prepare an exclusive dinner for the packed restaurant of food and drink professionals as well as the general public.

That dinner is then judged (and hopefully enjoyed) by some of the North’s finest chefs and restaurateurs. We hear Simon Martin from Michelin starred Mana might be making an appearance this year. No pressure.

Last year, the event was held at Dishoom – and a team of food writers and critics from Manchester and national publications, including me on behalf of I Love MCR, raised over £22k for the charity.

Previous events have seen fierce competition between the critics, but this year the food writers are working collaboratively in the run-up to the event to design each course and pull together a feast, which will be judged on the night by top chefs.

The critics will have Cultureplex’s chefs working alongside them, but will be entirely responsible for making sure everyone gets fed on the evening. 

As well as enjoying the dinner, guests will also take part in fun games and have the opportunity to bid on a host of exclusive and money-can’t-buy experiences and items in live and silent auctions. 

Every penny from the event goes to Action Against Hunger’s work to provide malnourished children with healthier futures in nearly 50 countries worldwide, since Cultureplex and sponsors are kindly covering all costs.

Action Against Hunger work in almost 50 countries leading the global fight against hunger to save the lives of malnourished children. They work to ensure everyone can access clean water, food, training and healthcare.

It costs Action Against Hunger just £42 to save the life of a severely malnourished child – roughly half the cost of a Too Many Critics ticket.

“Too Many Critics is always one of the best nights of the year,” says Caroline Dyer from Action Against Hunger.

“We’re really looking forward to the collaborative theme this year with everyone, from critics to foodies, chefs and industry professionals, coming together to help raise vital funds for Action Against Hunger in one big fun evening.

“I can’t wait to see all the extra surprises Cultureplex have in store for guests, too. We’d love to top last year’s total of £22,000, and we’re really confident we can do it!”

Too Many Critics 2020 takes place at Cultureplex, Ducie Street on Monday 16th March from 6pm. Tickets cost from £80, including a champagne reception, all food and drinks, and entertainment. All money raised goes to Action Against Hunger.

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