WOODKraft is the latest venture from 2015 MasterChef champion Simon Wood, following the success of his first restaurant, WOOD Manchester.

Located on Regent Street just a few doors down from the Everyman Theatre, the artisan eatery offers a brunch and lunch menu, as well as a special Sunday menu.

Inside the layout is clean and simple – there is seating upstairs and in the basement below – and on the ground floor the bay window looking out onto the street is ideal for sipping a coffee and watching the world go by.

Looking at the menu, I was spoilt for choice. It was about half ten in the morning, prime brunch time, and despite the range of different dishes on offer – including a selection of pancakes which really caught my eye – I went for the ‘WOODKraft Breakfast’.

I was presented with a really lovely looking plate, with crispy streaky bacon, a plump Old Spot sausage, two perfectly fried eggs, sourdough toast, a pot of baked beans, a grilled tomato and a mushroom.

With a fresh orange juice to wash it all down, it’s fair to say the breakfast hit the spot. Everything was perfectly cooked to just how I like it – I was asked how I’d like my eggs done beforehand and if I had any dietary requirements.

Little touches like having the baked beans in a small bowl rather than straight on the plate, or the butter wrapped up in a brown paper package rather than your standard foil, really made it feel like time and care had gone into preparing the meal.

WOODKraft operates a casual, order at the counter service, with table service available on request. The staff were friendly and accommodating, and even understood that I was trying to say “lovely, thanks”, when they came around to check my food was OK and I had my mouth full, only able to muster a thumbs up as a way of communicating.

The friendly, inclusive atmosphere at WOODKraft, coupled with the delicious food makes for a great dining experience, whether you’ve gone for brunch, lunch, a Sunday roast, or even just a coffee and a cake.

Read our interview with Head Chef Simon Wood here.