Mary-Ellen McTague joins us as our Chef Partner

Recognised nationally for her commitment to sustainable food systems, access to affordable, good quality food and locally sourced ingredients, Mary-Ellen has built a reputation as one of the UK’s most respected chefs. Throughout her career she has championed seasonal produce, regenerative food practices and closer connections between growers, producers and consumers.

 Working alongside our team, Mary-Ellen will lead the operational setup of our café and catering offer, oversee menu development and support the recruitment of key roles, including a Head Chef, as we prepare to open as a visitor destination this autumn.

Her appointment marks a significant milestone for us at Northern Roots, where food and farming has been central to our vision of creating healthier communities, reconnecting people with nature and building a more sustainable future.

“Northern Roots represents something incredibly exciting. There are very few places in the UK attempting to bring together urban farming, nature recovery, community wellbeing and food production at this scale.

 

The opportunity to create a genuinely farm-to-fork food offer, where people can see where their food comes from and understand the journey from growing to plate, is something I feel incredibly passionate about. I’m looking forward to helping shape a food experience that reflects the values and ambition of Northern Roots”

– Mary-Ellen McTague

At the heart of Northern Roots is our urban farm – Snipe Clough Farm – that will grow fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs on site, supplying produce directly to the café and catering operation. Visitors will be able to see food being grown, harvested and transformed into meals just metres from where it is produced.

Alongside orchards, growing spaces, woodland and wetlands, the Northern Roots site will feature a new Welcome Building, café and catering facilities designed to showcase fresh produce grown on the farm.

Recruitment is now underway for a number of hospitality roles, including a Head Chef, who will work closely with Mary-Ellen to create a menu inspired by the seasons and the produce being grown on site.