The PHM and Open Kitchen: Culture and an excellent brunch!
| 19th July 2021
The PHM and Open Kitchen: Culture and an excellent brunch! If you’re looking for a fascinating day out with a difference with some superb food after, then the good news is the People’s History Museum (PHM) has re-opened with the Open Kitchen attached to it.
It’s Covid secure for booked appointments to tour the museum with a difference by the Irwell and in the heart of the city.
The PHM is free but they do ask for a £5 donation for those that can afford it and it’s worth way more than that as it tells the tale of Manchester (and further afield) through the eyes of ordinary people rather than the crowns and tiaras view.
The PHM and Open Café & Bar: Culture and an excellent brunch!
When we went there was also a moving temporary exhibition dedicated to Jo Cox, the Labour MP murdered in 2016, and her inclusive philosophy that we all have more in common. It was a fitting tribute that marks one of the darkest political hours in the UK.
There’s two permanent exhibitions that detail the rise of Cottonopolis, Peterloo to the present day struggle of workers and these may sound dry, but the interactive displays are great to involve and immerse visitors of all ages to hear the lost and often unheard voices from the past. There’s everything from how people lived, their clothes, their homes and grisly reminders of the very real fight for freedom.
Then it was time for food and the Open Kitchen which is a light breezy spot overlooking the Irwell and is a real find.
The philosophy behind it is serving organic and frankly fabulous food with a sort of ‘add meat’ if you want to, so it’s easy and plenty of choice for vegans and free-from diners. It pledges a sustainable, ethical, and delicious food experience, offering breakfast, lunch and drinks to grab and go, or sit in and enjoy.
Leftover milk is turned into yogurt for example and they offer doggy bags to everyone, avoiding wastage (and actually the portions are on the large side, so well worth taking them up).
We opted for the brunch with a tasty Bloody Mary (cocktails from £6.50 and vegan and organic wines from twenty quid). It was gorgeous, with bacon that makes you make an unwitting noise of satisfaction (sourced from pasture for life farms), homemade beans tasty and fresh, mushrooms and grilled tomatoes, all served with heavenly sourdough.
Again, everything is sourced locally and as well as brunch there were gorgeous mezze and other options to choose from or you can grab a take out sarnie if you’re in a rush.
We also had sides of avocado on toast which like the rest of the fare is served in a hefty portion, giving great value for money and so fresh with a smashed, citrus and chilli intensity. Simple but great as were the potato wedges. Lunch is from £3.50 to £7.50.
You can also do coffee (there’s tea etc too) and cakes. We tried out the coffee which was gorgeous and rich, a new destination for a perfect cup of fuel with its friendly atmosphere and wonderful servers.
VIVA verdict: Wonderful and ethical dishes, served in a great environment. Do visit.
For food inspiration and to see more of their dishes, follow them Instagram.