Our Ethos
Manchega was established in 2016 in the heart of vibrant Ripon, the beautiful, ancient ‘Cathedral city of the Dales’.
A bit niche for this genteel gem? Not a bit of it! A foodie and good times favourite for locals and visitors alike adding fusion small plates flavours and panache to the already thriving Ripon restaurant, street food and nightlife scene.
Increasingly recognised as the food and culture capital of North Yorkshire and the Dales, Ripon’s premier eatery is leading this food and good times fiesta, backing its top rated, exquisite small menu with the best in modern, relaxed service, fine wines and great company.
What’s in a Name!?
Manchega – the meaning? A milk producing sheep? An inhabitant of La ManXa? A strong, fiercely independent South American native woman fighting for the independence of her people against the Conquistadors hordes, a warrior queen, sacrificing herself for her people… take your pick, but I know who I’m channelling when I’m dealing with the Council.
OUR SUPPLIERS – ONE BIG, BEAUTIFUL COMMUNITY
All things Sustainable, Community, Cooperation – making OUR world a better place.
We have our own kitchen garden and we’re also proud to source our ingredients from local suppliers where available, and the best suppliers from further afield where not.
We pride ourselves here in our place and status as a community hub and centre of cooperative trading. Our suppliers reflect our belief in locally sourced quality ingredients and produce and we work extremely closely with them recognising the importance of a genuine passion for our source materials.
So many brilliant local providers (we will have to let them speak for themselves!) But just to mention a few such as the superb Catton Kitchen, producing organic fruit and vegetables specifically for us, as well as some top quality pork and lamb cuts.
Bax Botanics at Helperby provide us with their nationally recognised botanics range, a fantastically flavoursome A/F alternative to our gin menu.
Veg Supplier
The Catton Kitchen
Skipton on Swale
North Yorkshire
Meat Supplier
Tim Stothard
Highside Butchers
Kirkby Malzeard
We could mention other great local butchers, Tim Stothard at Highside in Kirkby Malzeard, Marleys of North Street, Ripon.
Then there are the fine Spanish and world wines supplied by Corks and Cases, Masham and Basco Family Spanish providers near Wetherby.
We could go on… and on…
Helen Tabor for our food photography
…then all beautiful staff for their brilliant tiktok and social media creativity, we need a thank you all!
THE HOTTEST TEAM IN TOWN
Richard Hughes
Owner
The Ripon Revolucion knows no limits! We are Total Local food (arts/culture) Revolucionaries on the basis that Ripon IS the Destination, IS the food capital, SHOULD BE making a noise about it… man we are SOOO understated!
Manchega Tapas Y Vinos/La ManXa began in 2016 as a Spanish/South American taste and culture sensation, blowing the minds of those in the know (and those who wanted to be) fun, flair, vibrancy and vibe were the way to go, thank god a few more came on board! This community is going places, make no mistake!
Total Local community support and vibrancy has shown us the value of friendship and cooperation in these tough times. Highlighting the quality of local independents, enhancing the value of the local environment – closing the streets and partying til we drop … inclusivity and total belief in ourselves as THE cultural destination… hey this is just the beginning …!
We work with anyone and everyone to get this Revolucion rolling … (yes, spelt with a ‘C’ … well it was our idea!?) In partnership with everyone we’ve cafe cultured, danced, moshed with and fed the masses.. what a party!
In the pipeline… Food and arts/artisan fiestas across town, pop ups with our mates across the best restos, Manchega Vamos! A street (food) van named DESIRE!
Then there’s community growing, community cooking – you/we grow it … we’ll cook it! Gardeners’ lunches. Community bookclubs – already over thirty members, in partnership with our mates at The Little Ripon Bookshop. The best in all things local community – at your local tapas haven.
Then there’s the total community push for pedestrianisation of our beautiful ancient city – let the indies, the entrepreneurs do their thing … don’t get me started! Let’s just get on and blow the roof off this place …
….The Revolucion is on!!
Chris McPhee
Chef
Born, raised & trained on the Isle of Skye in Scotland, Chris had a very fortunate start into the kitchen industry working under renowned chef Michael Smith at The Three Chimneys. It was here that Chris had developed a sincere relationship with local produce, local game, shellfish and cattle, as well as artisan micro vegetable growers and foragers. Getting a true understanding of the produce he works with on a day to day basis.
Since leaving Skye Chris has worked in the UK’s top hotels & restaurants, from Central Scotland to London, to Devon and up here to North Yorkshire where he has settled with his wife in this lovely city of Ripon.
Chris’s vision for Manchega is to give the people of Ripon and its visitors a true taste of the city and the surrounding villages by utilising its local producers produce, crops, meats and also foraged ingredients. Sourcing the absolute best he can and cooking them in a relaxed, vibrant atmosphere – sustainably and simply.
You will find Chris cooking at Manchega, in the heart of the building, in his open kitchen, talking to customers and serving tables with Richard. On his days off he is meeting suppliers, seeing the animals and working on his own market garden with Richard.
BOOK A PRIVATE SPACE
Nestled up on the first floor of the restaurant is a separate dining room which can accommodate up to 14 guests.Â
Groups up to 10 can dine off the standard menu, we kindly ask for a £10 per head non-refundable deposit.Â
Groups of 10-14 will need to dine off our group menu which is £30 per head, we kindly ask for a £10 per head non-refundable deposit.Â
