New talent at Clough Manor

One of Manchester's most talented young chefs will be taking over the kitchen at Clough Manor in Saddleworth on Thursday 24 July. John Lowe, 25, has been chosen as a Young Star Chef by the tourist board website Visit Manchester. He'll be impressing diners with a five-course signature menu that includes minestrone consommé, seared hand dived scallops, roast rump of Herdwick mutton, and coconut panna cotta.

John is from a family of chefs – his mum cooked for the army and his gran for the fire brigade. He names them as the inspiration for his career choice, along with the Swedish chef on The Muppet Show.

John is from a family of chefs – his mum cooked for the army and his gran for the fire brigade. He names them as the inspiration for his career choice, along with the Swedish chef on The Muppet Show. Nowadays his mentors are Gary Rhodes and Rick Stein. He says he's always looking for inspiration and is constantly keeping up with modern cooking trends and coming up with new ideas.

He began his career at Smokies Park in Oldham before going to work at the Lowry with David Woolf for two years. He's also done stints on cruise liners and at the Heygreen Hotel in Marsden, where he worked with Nigel Skinkis. When Nigel moved to Clough Manor, John decided to follow, and a few months later was promoted to senior chef de partie.

His menu will cost only £25 per head, making it an absolute bargain. If you'd like to make a reservation, call Clough Manor on 01457 871 040. The event takes place on 24 July and starts at 7pm for a 7.30pm sit down.