The chef, who won the 2015 BBC series, will launch WOOD – Manchester with an ‘unfussy’ high-end menu this summer.
WOOD will open Tuesday to Saturday with a small plates menu, a full-service lunch and dinner menu and a tasting section showcasing newly developed dishes.
The restaurant will feature an open theatre kitchen, chef’s table, and a 16-cover private dining room.
“I have been planning this restaurant for a long time and have a very clear vision for everything from the look and feel of the restaurant to the dishes we’ll serve,” says Wood.
“I want it to be as unfussy as possible with approachable staff, comfortable chairs and dishes guests want to order again and again. The aim is to offer modern interpretations of traditional flavours with a focus on simple, seasonal dishes with the odd surprise along the way.”
Wood worked as a data manager until he entered and won MasterChef in 2015. Since the show he has taken on the role of executive chef at Oldham Athletic FC and launched a cookbook.
He joins a growing number of MasterChef alumni opening restaurants this year. Andrew Kojima (2012 series) has crowdfunded over £50,000 to launch a site in Cheltenham, while MasterChef: The Professionals 2013 winner Steven Edwards has opened Etch in Hove.