I LOVE Moxie at the Epicurean Kitchen

22 Sep 2022

Last week, Moxie gathered at breathtaking new venue, Assembly at the Acru Works. Assembly
is the new co-working space nestled handily right between Cheadle and Cheadle Hulme, part of the
incredible Epicurean Kitchen venture. The work Lauren Henshaw and team have undertaken to
restore this once unloved, near-derelict engineering works must be seen to be believed.

Here at I Love, there’s something we love almost as much as our local businesses, and that’s the
reinvention of local landmarks and restoration of our architectural heritage. The Epicurean Kitchen
ticks both boxes – in style!

Breathing Life into an Old Building

Known locally as the Old Acru Works, this reassuringly sturdy yet understatedly beautiful building
began life as a stable block before serving as a munitions factory during WWII. In the 1950s an engineering firm took ownership and subsequently built a new, fit-for-purpose factory on the same plot, so the ‘old’ Acru works stood empty until 2016.

Now, though, the building has been restored even beyond its original glory. Warm and inviting from the outside, once inside, the exposed red brickwork perfectly sets off the outstanding joinery and woodwork, which is both fixture AND feature. The industrial character of the building somehow blends seamlessly with state-of-the-art elements, and despite the sheer size of the space, the overall feeling is warmth and personality. Much like the home of the Manchester worker bee, the Epicurean Kitchen is a veritable hive of activity.

Good (Food) Vibes Only

Lauren and the Epicurean Kitchen team aim to bring a new foodie vibe to Cheadle and Cheadle
Hulme and beyond. The stunning space has already played host to culinary AND celebratory events, and soon, the first floor will become an amazing and flexible events space and co-working hub. This will be a cool and professional yet affordable workspace. Who needs to hoof into the city centre with this on the doorstep?

Lauren says:

“Our ambition for the Epicurean Kitchen is to bring something fresh and exciting to the area. A place for anyone who likes great food and good company. To create a space that is fun and welcoming for everyone. We look forward to meeting you at our wine tasting or perhaps culinary classes and special monthly supper clubs. We’ll also look to fill our event schedule with community activities and workshops.

There could be Yoga, candle making, sound baths, art classes and much more. We’ve even developed a range of children’s birthday packages (recommended 8 years and above). The parties will have their very own party host AND private chef to cook alongside. We can’t wait to make special memories together.We can’t wait either if last week’s Moxie was anything to go by!”

Tastebuds Tantalised

We were treated to an array of incredible food offerings from some of the Epicurean Kitchen’s
portfolio of creative and talented Chefs.

Claire Woodier, known to many of us already as Claire Market Chef, served THE most delectable
bruschetta. Parma ham and goat’s cheese were brought tantalisingly to life with white nectarine and the merest hint of chilli, while passionfruit martini cheesecakes were served with a cheeky shot.
DELISH. Ngwafu Tansie of Gwafu Vegan delivered a flavour-packed bean and spinach stew with
plantain – even the most determined carnivores would enjoy this – followed by delicious chocolate
and cinnamon puff puffs. Mangiando Calabro tempted everyone with antipasto platters
masquerading as works of art, the Little Sri Lankan served Short Eats (seeni buns and jack fruit
cutlets, while the lovely and aptly named Nom Quille of Nom’s Dumplings served mouth-watering and unusual Mongolian steamed dumplings.

This wasn’t just discovering an amazing new venue, it was a little voyage of international cuisine and a fantastic taster of what’s to come at the Epicurean Kitchen!

Moxie Makes Sense

Oops, NEARLY forgot why we were there in the first place (still salivating over those bruschetta)! As ever, an eclectic and fascinating group gathered to mingle, filling the cavernous space with laughter
and chat. Several new guests loved the Moxie brand of informal, low-key and no-pressure
networking and countless regulars keep coming for those same reasons.
Moxie. It’s Networking – but not as you know it. Join us next time. We know you’ll be glad you did.