The Furnace, confirmed last month as the latest brand to open in Heart of the City I, has revealed its opening menu to the public this week.

As the venue fires up, the chefs have let down their (fire)guard and revealed what guests will be able to enjoy. 

The menu, designed by local chef Guy Greaves and team, pays homage to the city it serves by pairing famed local products and dishes with cooking techniques inspired by the functions of a furnace – such as cooling, torching, flame-grilling, and blowtorching.

First up is a Yorkshire chip-shop staple – the Fish Cake. Evoking that Friday night tradition down the chippy, The Furnace has elevated humble chippy-tea item into a first-class fried starter. Made to the traditional recipe - two pieces of potato sandwiching a fillet of cod - this starter is served with a perfectly fried egg and warm tartare sauce. 

For fans of a brew, the second dish revealed might be more your cup of tea – literally. Chefs at The Furnace – perhaps inspired by their breaktime brew – have smoked their Mackerel with God’s own Yorkshire Tea to create a starter of Yorkshire Tea Smoked Mackerel.

Guy Greaves, Operations Chef for The Furnace, said “Yorkshire has so many fantastic unique recipes and traditions passed down from multiple generations. The team and I have dug into our own experiences growing up – combined with our modern styles to provide a menu that evokes nostalgia but stands up to the test of time”.

It wouldn’t be a Furnace without flames, so naturally, The Furnace does what they shouldn’t – play (safely) with fire. Main courses include Flame-grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Kebab served with flatbread and Pan-Fried Cod Loin with chicken butter sauce. 

And it is still all about Yorkshire for pudding! Locals will not be surprised to see Yorkshire Puddings taking their rightful place amongst local ingredients. However, the fact it sits on the dessert section could spark many debates amongst friends and families.

The homemade Yorkshire Puddings will not be a feature on the mains, but in fact amongst the dessert list with vanilla ice cream, salted caramel sauce and dried raspberries.

When asked about this hot button, Guy Greaves said “I have fond memories of visiting Grandma Greaves on a Sunday and hoping there was Yorkshire Pudding for pudding. I wanted to share this memory with guests – and hope they’ll allow our unique dishes to ignite their senses”. Saving the best until last, The Furnace has what they hope to be their soon-to-be ‘flame-ous” Crème Brûlée – which is blowtorched to caramelise tableside – served with rhubarb and homemade shortbread.