Food Tour: Destination Manchester – A Day in the Life of Chef William Smith

Mornin’ Manchester !– The Island Boy in the City

Wassup my people! Ya boy Chef Will here, straight outta Bermuda, bringing ya a lil’ taste of my food journey in Manchester, UK. Now lemme tell ya — movin’ from a tiny island where ya can pretty much drive from one end to the next in half an hour, to a big ol’ city like Manchester — that was a whole vibe change!

Manchester, she ain’t just known for football and rain, nah man — she’s got a serious food scene. When I first landed, I couldn’t believe how many restaurants, cafés, and lil’ pop-up food joints there were. Back home, ya might have a handful of good spots — maybe some local fish chowder, a bit of fried snapper, some peas and rice — but Manchester? Man, they got everything.

The Restaurant Scene – A Feast for Every Mood

Let me paint the picture for ya. You walk down Deansgate or the Northern Quarter and the smell alone gon’ make ya weak. You got fine dining one corner, street tacos the next, sushi bars, Caribbean jerk shacks, Indian curry houses, and vegan joints that’ll even make a meat lover pause for a sec.

There’s this real fusion vibe in Manchester — chefs from all over the world bringin’ their flavor. I’ve seen Caribbean flavors blendin’ with Japanese techniques, or African spices spinnin’ through European dishes. And the locals? They appreciate good food — proper food.

As a Bermudian chef, I was like a sponge, takin’ in new ideas, styles, and presentation. The culinary industry in Manchester is alive, bruv. It’s competitive but creative — you can feel that energy in every dish.

My Dining Adventure – Chef Will Hits the Town

So one weekend, I decided to treat myself proper. I started my morning at a cozy café in the Northern Quarter — grabbed a flat white and some eggs benedict with a twist: smoked salmon and hollandaise with a hint of lemon zest. Smooth start.

By lunchtime, I was at a street market — them food stalls be dangerous, trust me. I tried Korean fried chicken from one stall, and then Jamaican patties from another. It was like my taste buds were travelin’ round the world without leavin’ the block.

Dinner though — oh boy. I booked at a modern British spot near Spinningfields. Think seared scallops with cauliflower purée, and a lamb rump that just melted in your mouth. The plating? Clean like a piece of art. I sat there, glass of wine in hand, thinkin’ — “Ya boy really livin’ now.”

From Bermuda to Manchester – A Whole New World of Flavors

Back in Bermuda, food is community. Sunday fishcakes, codfish breakfast, BBQ on the weekend — we keep it real and homely. So walkin’ into a city where ya can eat Italian on Monday, Ethiopian on Tuesday, and Thai by Wednesday — that blew my island mind.

For me, the most amazin’ thing was seein’ how the UK celebrates multicultural cuisine. It made me proud to rep my Bermudian roots — to bring a lil’ island flair to the table.

Advice for Bermudians and Food Travellers

Now, if ya from Bermuda or anywhere small and ya plannin’ to visit Manchester, here’s my chef’s advice:

1. Come hungry, and keep an open mind.

Don’t stick to what ya know — try somethin’ different! Manchester’s got some wild flavor combos, and trust me, half the joy is in the surprise.

2. Hit the markets.

Places like Mackie Mayor or Arndale Market are gold. You can meet local chefs, try samples, and just vibe with the crowd.

3. Book ahead for the top spots.

Manchester’s food scene busy, so if ya got your eye on a fine dining place or a popular brunch café, make that reservation early.

4. Chat with the chefs

If ya lucky enough to meet the person behind your plate, talk to ‘em. Manchester chefs love to share their stories — and as a fellow island chef, that connection always hits different.

Final Words from Ya Island Chef

Manchester’s food scene taught me this — food’s not just about eatin’. It’s about culture, creativity, and connection. From the small kitchens in Bermuda to the big city vibes of Manchester, I learned that no matter where ya go, good food speaks the same language.

So if you ever find yourself in Manchester, take it from Chef Will — grab your fork, loosen your belt, and dive right in.

Bless up and bon appétit,

– Chef William “Will” Smith-

http://www.willsmithkitchen.com 🍴🇧🇲