Described as “Manchester’s most creative chef,” Joseph Otway is the founder of Higher Ground, already one of the country’s best restaurants, and Flawd, a natural wine bar and bottle shop. In 2020, Joseph co-founded Cinderwood, a one-acre market garden in Cheshire that puts his philosophy about produce into practice.
What do you do for a living?
I’m a cook, and I’m also farming as well. Well, I’m overseeing a farming project. Then I sell natural, organic wine and create food. I’m also a cofounder of Higher Ground with two other partners. Our team have worked in some of the world’s best Michelin starred restaurants which have influenced our ethos and approach to both food and service.
Are there any words that describe both your occupation and our G9 jacket?
Let me think. Even though fashion and cooking are on separate spheres, I would say: creative, thought-provoking, and original.
If the G9 Harrington Jacket was a recipe, what would it be?
We have a lot of special local (and not only) dishes. But if I had to choose, I would definitely choose the cheddar tart that we make here, and it’s one of my favourites! It’s all about taking one thing and focusing on it. We take an English cheese that’s very well known, which actually makes it a distinctive British dish, but we use it in lots of different ways just for one single purpose. Just like how people have always done with the G9 Harrington.
Manchester is where the original G9 Harrington was born. Can you tell us what Manchester represents for you?
That’s a great question! Manchester is definitely a lot of things so it’s not easy to limit it to only a few concepts. Personally, I believe it is one of the most creative places, it’s a place where almost everything is about self-expression. So, it’s full of originality and innovation, always done with a great attitude and never boredom. One thing that’s for sure is you’ll always have a great time in Manchester.
