What is in season in Manchester. and what to order when the market changes.
Spring
- Lancashire forced rhubarb: Yorkshire's rhubarb triangle is an hour east of Manchester; the early forced crop reaches city restaurants in February and March, then field rhubarb runs through May.
- Wild garlic: Cheshire and Peak District foragers bring wild garlic to Manchester's market garden suppliers in late March and April. Erst and Higher Ground put it on plates.
- New-season asparagus: English asparagus from Cheshire and Yorkshire growers hits Manchester restaurant menus in late April through June. Hispi and the Edinburgh Castle do it well.
Summer
- Heritage tomatoes: Cheshire glasshouse growers send heritage tomatoes to Manchester restaurants from June through September. The Sparrows and Erst feature them in small-plate menus.
- Cornish strawberries: Cornish strawberries arrive in Manchester markets from mid-May. Pollen Bakery uses them on weekend pastries; Trove and Sip-the-Spoon turn them into desserts and ice creams.
- Whitstable oysters: Whitstable oysters arrive at Manchester rooms throughout summer; the Edinburgh Castle and Higher Ground put them on their seasonal sharing menus and Bar Shrimp.
Autumn
- Game and venison: Game season runs August through January in northern England. Manchester restaurants from Skof to Edinburgh Castle put venison, partridge and grouse on the autumn menu.
- English apples: Cheshire and Lancashire orchards bring heritage English apples to Manchester markets through October and November. Companio Bakery uses them in autumn tarts and pies.
- Wild mushrooms: Peak District foragers bring chanterelles, ceps and trompettes to Manchester restaurants from September to November. Mana and Erst feature them on tasting menus.
Winter
- Bury black pudding: Bury Black Pudding Company produces the Greater Manchester breakfast staple year-round, but winter is peak season for the full Lancashire breakfast plate on weekends.
- Lancashire cheese: Mrs Kirkham's and Procter's Lancashire cheeses are the regional staple. Reserve Wines at Mackie Mayor and Companio Bakery sell them through the winter months.
- Eccles cakes for Christmas: The original 1793 Lancashire Eccles cake fills Manchester pub dessert menus through December. St John's group still serves it with Lancashire cheese at Christmas time.