In Manchester we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to food and places to eat. We have everything from high-end Italian and Spanish restaurants, popular chains like Nandos and Chiquitos and authentic Chinese and Thai eateries. Let’s not forget the boom in trendy burger places like Almost Famous and Byron’s Burgers, all on the city’s doorstep. Whatever your culinary preference, there’s something for everyone.
What about us healthy folk though, wanting something fresh, tasty and quick to eat that’s not brimming with calories? While we have a handful of options, say hello to new kid on the block, Wahu. Focusing on providing the highest quality fresh food, Manchester’s newest food bar on The Avenue, Spinningfields, offers healthy and balanced breakfast, lunch and dinner options for those who live and work in the city centre.
I’d walked past this a few times and was intrigued by the vibrant colours and branding from the outside, so I was delighted to be invited to the VIP Launch Party this evening. My fellow colleague at The Media Octopus and blogging girly Katie and I arrived at the buzzing venue, welcomed by a complimentary glass of Prosecco to enjoy in the late sunshine. With plenty of tables and chairs outside, Wahu was packed and had a really friendly, communal vibe about it.
Each of us given a press pack with more information about the concept and face behind the name, young entrepreneur, Jamie Barr, who was there on the evening welcoming guests. After noticing a gap in the market for healthy food on the go and following months of hard work and planning, Wahu was born. I have so much respect for someone who has an idea and makes it happen, especially when it involves food and health. Already the brand has gathered a lot of hype and momentum, and I hope this continues long after the opening.
We were offered a menu of dinner box options as a taster of just some of the food on offer. While Katie went for the Teriyaki Beef Rice Box with green beans, broccoli and steamed rice, I opted for the Grilled Halloumi Salad. Served in a ‘factory line’ style food station, the friendly staff created our boxes as we eyed up the wonderful, colourful fresh ingredients behind the counter. This is what I like to see. Let’s not forget the fabulous, colourful urban interior reflecting the vibrancy of the food, seating up to 98 people at one time in the form of sofas and outdoor area.
Katie and I headed out onto the terrace with many others to enjoy our food. A big fan of halloumi, I was pleased to see a generous amount mixed in with plenty of fresh green leaves, cucumber, tomato and mixed peppers with a light glaze of balsamic vinegar; perfect, just like something I’d make at home. It seemed from the mass of empty boxes that everyone else was a fan of the food too!
I already can’t wait to come again to try out the protein pancakes or egg white omelettes on a morning, or healthy lunch box on a weekend when I’m in the city centre and out and about. Wahu is certainly the type of place you can come to meet with friends and colleagues at whatever time of day to enjoy delicious food and a hot or cold drink, including low-carb, low-sugar beer and low-calorie Prosecco which is an added bonus! Opening just as we are entering summer, I can see Wahu as being a popular place over the coming months for anyone and everyone wanting a healthy alternative!
