Out of Towners: Nottingham’s Michelin-starred Alchemilla comes to Manchester

Nottingham’s Michelin-starred Alchemilla is coming to town for one night only. Chef Alex Bond brings his team and his bold, fermentation-led flavours to the rustic barn at Groobarbs Wild Farm.

Bond’s Alchemilla emerged onto the Nottingham scene in 2018 with the ambitious transformation of a derelict Victorian carriage house. By 2019 the restaurant had secured its first Michelin star and four AA Rosettes. When it came to inviting a high-achieving neighbour over for the next Out of Towners, it was a no-brainer.

Bond’s cooking is a delicate fusion of cuisines, pushing the boundaries of taste, creativity and experience. Expect world influences with a British grounding. He sources the best produce our incredible island has to offer from the highlands of Scotland down to the Cornish waters, then aplifies their natural depth through fermentation, pickling and aging techniques.

"The meal was a mesmerising, highly enjoyable and great-value triumph of flair, confidence and professionalism" William Sitwell, The Telegraph.

For our Out of Towners evening at Groobarbs, Bond has curated a seven-course menu that will showcases these ambitious techniques in a more rustic environment.

Welcome drink
fresh Groobarbs farm produce with Bobby’s Gin.

Carlingford oyster
summer relish ‘22, buttermilk, dill

*Conde Valdemar, Rioja Blanco

Hash brown
truffle curd, chorizo jam, cured pork

Celeriac
sour bread, sour butter

Langoustine
sea buckthorn nam Jim, salted kumquat, fermented fennel

*Conde Valdemar Rioja Rosé

Aged sea bream
caramelised ham cream, langoustine consommé

*Conde Valdemar Rioja Blanco Finca Alto Cantabria

Squab pigeon
apricot, rose, merguez, wedge salad

*Inspiración Valdemar Las Seis Alhajas Graciano

Amylase koji
strawberry, black garlic, sorrel

*Conde Valdemar Rioja Rosé (ice cold)

The wine pairings are all sourced from the Valdemar Family winery, who have been making wine in the Rioja region of Spain for five generations. You'll find Rioja Rosés and Rioja Blancos on the menu, as well as a Graciano, so you can experience the diversity of flavours from the region.

Valdemar have an innovative and sustainable approach to wine - pioneering processes like barrel fermentation and temperature control - which we think makes them a great fit for this gastronomically experimental evening. There's also going to be a seasonal, gin-based welcome cocktail courtesy of Bobby's Gin utilising herbs and fruit from the Groobarbs farm.

• Drinks and farm exploration from 6pm, food 7pm, ending around 10pm
• £120 per person — includes welcome drink and seven course menu
• Add a fully curated wine package for just £35 per person
• Due to the ingredient-driven nature of the tasting menu, we are unable to accommodate dietary requirements on this occasion