EAT WELL MCR x REFUGE
Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit last year, we’ve been in awe of how people have come together to support their community. One particular organisation that stood out to us was Eat Well MCR, and this month, we’re delighted to be selling Sunday Lunch meal kits through their marketplace for the first two weekends in April. But not only that, we’re absolutely honoured to have them working from the banqueting kitchens in Kimpton Clocktower Hotel as they continue to keep on going with their amazing cause.
Eat Well MCR was founded by chef and restaurateur Mary-Ellen McTague at the outset of the pandemic, and at that time it was known as the Emergency Food Response. This initial effort became formalised as a non-profit Community Interest Company, Eat Well MCR, with many of the original chefs, restaurants and volunteers continuing to provide ongoing support. Kathleen O’Connor and Gemma Saunders form part of the team running the day-to-day operations alongside Mary-Ellen. Gemma draws on her experience with large, complex events such as Manchester International Festival to coordinate the provision of over 34,000 meals to the community, and Kathleen uses her 18 years experience in strategic marketing to ensure the online marketplace that funds the non-profit activities is a commercial success.
Each week, a rotating cast of Manchester’s favourite restaurants and chefs—alongside some hidden gems—supply the online marketplace, with meal kits and chilled meals, for both mid-week suppers and special weekend dinners. Every purchase helps Eat Well MCR to continue supporting our community with nutritious meals, so you can bag yourself a delicious dinner and do something awesome for the local community. And that’s where we come in.
Mary-Ellen McTague | Kathleen O’Connor | Gemma Saunders
The Refuge x Eat Well MCR Meal Kit
Our meal-kit goes live on the Eat Well MCR marketplace on Friday the 26 March, with an order deadline of 9pm on 29 March. Eat Well MCR will then deliver your produce on Friday 2 and Saturday 3 April.
Menu
The Main Event: £39 (feeds two)
Butter-roasted garlic and thyme Cheshire chicken
Or
Lamb shawarma shepherd’s pie
Or
Sweet potato, spinach and toasted almond pithivier (v)
Served with roasties, garlic and almond topped cauliflower cheese, Vimto-braised red cabbage, butter glazed carrots, gravy
Naughty stuff £6
Sticky toffee pudding, orange miso caramel salted pecans
Head over to the Eat Well MCR marketplace to place your order.