Yahoo News Gary Neville takes on North Staffordshire's Michelin Star chef for his hotel restaurant
Manchester United legend Gary Neville has announced that one of the UK's most acclaimed chefs who hails from North Staffordshire will take over the restaurant at his five-star hotel.
Niall Keating, the youngest chef to ever win two Michelin Stars in the UK, will assume control of the ornate restaurant space inside the historic Stock Exchange Hotel in Manchester city centre. with a planned launch in June.
The chef, from Newcastle-under-Lyme, currently runs the highly praised Lunar restaurant in Barlaston. He will become the chef-in-residence of the new restaurant, which will be named Tender, a reference to the 'tender care put into crafting each dish' and a nod to the hotel's history as the city's former stock exchange.
The restaurant aims to provide 'gourmet food for everyday dining' within the lavish dining room of the Stock Exchange Hotel, the MEN reports.
Hotel owner Gary said: "We couldn't be happier to be partnering with Niall Keating for Tender and bringing his culinary expertise to the hotel. His vision to create versatile and accessible dining options is exactly what we've been looking for, to allow everyone visiting Tender to find the right experience for them."
Niall, who attended Alleyne’s High School, added: "From when I first walked through the doors of the hotel into the dining room, I knew this was the place for me and that we could create something really special. I immediately felt connected to both Gary and general manager, Tracy Harrison, and I knew what I wanted to create at the hotel and restaurant."
"I want a space that feels vibrant, warm and energetic, that brings to life the history of the stock exchange roots of the hotel, while providing an upscale and comfortable brasserie dining experience."
The business partners are also set to unveil 'The Bank', a private dining area catering for up to 12 guests, promising a 'truly exceptional dining experience'.
Since the closure of the previous Stock Market Grill restaurant in November 2023, just four months after its opening, the restaurant space has been exclusively used for hotel guests and events.
Gary is keen to see the impact of Niall's high-profile addition on the restaurant within the hotel, which boasts a magnificent domed ceiling.
Expanding on the launch of Tender, Gary said: "We will also shortly be announcing a series of events and live music experiences, including a weekly music plan, within Tender, that will really bring the venue to life, making it the heart of Stock Exchange Hotel."
When the Stock Exchange Hotel first opened its doors in Manchester back in 2019, it was Michelin Star chef Tom Kerridge who initially took on the restaurant space with The Bull and Bear. However, at the end of 2022, Gary and Tom announced their decision to part ways.
Niall, who started as a pot-washer at The Fitzherbert Arms in Swynnerton, made history by becoming the youngest chef to ever secure two Michelin stars at the age of 30. This remarkable achievement came during his five-year tenure as executive chef at Whatley Manor in Wiltshire.
He has also become a familiar face on television, having been crowned the champion of champions on the Great British Menu in 2020. He has since taken up a role as a judge on the popular BBC show.
In 2021, he launched Lunar at the World of Wedgewood, marking a return to his roots for the Newcastle-under-Lyme born chef. Guests at Lunar are treated to a unique selection of Wedgwood pottery for each course, while the restaurant features a giant moon at its centre, reflecting its name.
Tender, the new venture, is set to officially open its doors to the public on June 5, 2024. The opening hours will be from 12 noon to 10pm, Wednesday to Saturday, and from 12 noon to 7.30pm on Sundays.
