MasterChef 2015 winner Simon Wood is to open an ambitious high-end restaurant in his native Manchester this summer.

The 40-year-old former data manager (left in photo) will serve an unfussy modern interpretation of traditional flavours from an open-theatre kitchen. Menus will range from set lunch and pre-theatre to a la carte and a tasting selection with new dishes.

The restaurant, near the HOME arts centre in the new First Street public square, will be known as Wood Manchester. Mike Jennings (right in photo), who worked with Nigel Haworth at Northcote near Blackburn and ran Grenache restaurant in Walkden, Manchester, has been recruited as head chef for the opening.

Since winning MasterChef, Wood has developed his skills as executive chef at Oldham Athletic football club. He says: “For me Manchester is the best city in the country; it’s friendly, vibrant, busy and has incredible nightlife complemented by some great restaurants. What’s more, its food and drink culture is thriving and we see our restaurant enhancing that already amazing existing offering.”

Jennings says: “Simon’s vision and enthusiasm excites me, he’s not afraid to cook from the heart, something I share completely. I can’t wait to work alongside him creating amazing food that this incredible city deserves.”