Chef, food writer and restaurateur Mary-Ellen McTague has joined Northern Roots as its new Chef Partner.
Renowned for championing sustainable food, local produce and urban growing, Mary-Ellen will play a leading role in shaping the food offer at Northern Roots as the charity prepares to launch one of the UK’s most ambitious urban farm-to-fork food destinations.
Northern Roots is a pioneering 160-acre urban farm and eco-park currently being developed in Oldham.
Working alongside the Northern Roots team, Mary-Ellen will lead the operational setup of the café and catering offer, oversee menu development and support the recruitment of key roles, including a Head Chef, as the organisation prepares to open as a visitor destination this autumn.
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.
Her appointment marks a significant milestone for Northern Roots, where food and farming have always been central to the organisation’s vision of creating healthier communities, reconnecting people with nature and building a more sustainable future.
At the heart of the project is an urban 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.
Anna da Silva, Chief Executive of Northern Roots, said: “Food and urban farming has always been at the core of our vision for Northern Roots. Our café and catering offer will showcase the beautiful fresh produce grown on our farm and we’re really delighted that a chef of Mary-Ellen’s calibre is excited enough by our ambition to want to be a part of the Northern Roots story.”
Mary-Ellen McTague said: “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.”
Northern Roots is transforming a former landfill site in the heart of Oldham into an urban farm and eco-park, creating opportunities for people to connect with nature, learn new skills, improve wellbeing and access green careers.
Alongside growing food, the site will feature orchards, community growing spaces, woodland, wetlands, education facilities and a welcome centre with café and catering facilities.
Mary-Ellen’s appointment strengthens the food-led element of the project as Northern Roots prepares to bring together urban farming, community wellbeing, nature recovery and hospitality in one destination.