A restaurant in Greater Manchester has been recognised as one of the best in the world.
The Walled Gardens, located in Whalley Range, secured the 83rd spot on the We’re Smart Green Guide’s list of Best 100 Vegetables restaurants worldwide for 2024.
The vegetable-centric eatery also clinched the eighth position on the guide’s list of Top 10 UK vegetarian restaurants.
Other Northern establishments that made it to the top tier include Simon Rogan’s three Michelin-starred L’Enclume in Cartmel at fourth place, The Forest Side in Lake District at fifth, and Moor Hall in Lancashire at seventh.
Notably, The Walled Garden is not only vegetarian but also operates with just one staff member – founder and head chef Eddie Shepherd.
It accommodates only eight diners at a time as it is situated within Eddie’s own residence, reports the Manchester Evening News.
The unique concept has garnered such popularity that there’s a six-month waiting list for reservations. Expressing his delight over the recognition on Instagram, Eddie said he was “thrilled” to be in the UK top ten.
On Instagram, Eddie posted: “Thrilled to be in the UK top ten @best_vegetables_restaurants again this year. I’m really excited for the year to come and to push the food to the next level.”
“Thanks @frank_fol_the_vegetables_chef and congratulations to @kirk_haworth absolutely smashing it at Plates.”
Eddie’s Instagram followers, including the acclaimed Stockport restaurant Where the Light Gets In, were quick to congratulate him. Others described the achievement as ‘amazing’ and ‘massive’.
A delighted chef has seen an outpouring of praise after a follower exclaimed: “Amazing mate. Fully deserved. Last night was phenomenal.”
Eddie’s bold culinary concept, showcasing a plant-centric 12-course tasting menu in a laid-back setting, previously earned a spot on Observer Food Monthly’s 20 Best Restaurants list, and he clinched the title of Manchester’s Best Chef at the 2022 Manchester Food and Drink Awards.
Boasting nearly two decades honing his craft, Eddie’s journey began close to home in Marple, alongside hometown peer and renowned chef Samuel Buckley. His innovative approach to vegan cuisine has since taken his talents across the globe to kitchens from Mexico to Greece and Athens.
In Eddie’s gastronomic playground, classics are reimagined with techniques like distillation, capturing potent scents and tastes straight from nature’s bounty.
Former patrons of The Walled Gardens have indulged in creations such as Dandelion Petal Fruit Pastels paired with a refreshing GandT garnished with lemon verbena, harvested from the chef’s own garden.
Residing over intimate dinners for a mere eight guests, four times a week, Eddie’s dining spectacle takes place within the upper level of his abode, offering attendees a front-row seat to the culinary action in his open kitchen.
Those eager to sample Eddie’s artistry scramble to snag tickets released every month, known to disappear almost as quickly as they appear, at 9am sharp on the first of the month.
