North West-born taco spot Madre has seen huge success in just a few short years – not only bringing the deep flavours of Mexico to Liverpool’s Albert Dock, but also to cult-fave city centre venue Escape to Freight Island (where, I will admit, I’ve inhaled one or two kilos worth of their nachos in the past). Now, the taco slingers Madre are set to cast their net a little wider, joining the bustling Kampus neighbourhood sometime this summer. Taco-bout perfect timing!
Opening its doors on June 17, Madre will have a 90 seater restaurant and bar open from lunch until late and will be a destination that celebrates Mexico’s cuisine and culture. The menu, which is inspired by Mexico City´s vibrant and eclectic street food and restaurant scene, is made up of mouth-watering dishes including tacos, wood grilled seafood, steaks and an iced raw bar, featuring freshly shucked oysters and seasonal ceviche; all to be washed down with a cocktail menu that celebrates agave.
Bringing tacos, mezcal and tequila to the thriving rental neighbourhood of Kampus – where Nell’s and Pollen Bakery also currently reside – Madre is set to be a ‘laid-back, social hangout’, where friends can drink and catch up over delicious Mexican dishes made using the best local and seasonal produce. It is this unique Chilango spirit that Madre aims to brings to their first permanent restaurant in Manchester.
A selection of tacos taking inspiration from the diverse vendors on the street corners will feature classics such as pork carnitas and beef birria, as well as contemporary dishes with flavours from the restaurants in Mexico City. As such, the Parilla (grill) menu will feature wood grilled dishes such as grilled Aubergine dish, Lamb, and Contramar Butterflied Sea Bass.
Alongside familiar margaritas, the drinks list is infused with flavours from every corner of Mexico, featuring fermented tomatillos, pumpkin seed horchata, guajillo chilli tequila, and avocado leaf. The drinks menu also contains an extensive agave list with ‘flights’ designed for drinkers to taste their way around the spirits of Mexico. Plus, there’s a dessert menu complete with Happy Endings ice cream sandwiches, churros and cakes.
An open kitchen will give diners a view of the fast-paced action, whilst booths and large tables, invite friends and families to come together in an environment emulating the sights, smells and tastes of Mexico’s eateries. The design of the restaurant lends itself to what Chilangos call Sobremesa – the idea of cherishing a meal beyond finishing the main dishes; sitting and enjoying the company of others, talking, drinking, debating and laughing.
Madre was born out of a collaboration between the founders of London’s popular Breddos Tacos and the team behind Liverpool favourites Belzan and Filter + Fox, so if you’re yet to try their South American cuisine, you know you’re in good hands.
Co-founder Nud Dudhia commented: “For us Madre Manchester´s inception and vibe come from a long love of Mexico City’s people, food and culture. Our hope is to bring to Manchester a taste of the generosity and spirit we have experienced on our adventures and to welcome guests back time and time again.”
Madre Manchester will be open from June 17 and you can find the restaurant at The Churchill, Kampus, 41 Chorlton St, M1 3HN.