Blackburn-born chef creates world's first 3-course meal made of TREES

Michelin-trained, Kirk Haworth, the first plant-based chef to ever compete on the BBC Two's Great British Menu and son of top chef Nigel Haworth, has partnered with digital tree-planting platform Treedom to imagine the world's first tree-based menu.

The unusual ‘tree-gan’ menu, turning ‘vegan’ into ‘tree-gan’, is commissioned by Treedom to celebrate all the amazing things trees can do, utilises fruits and nuts that grow from trees and presents them in a unique and innovative way.

Kirk, from plant-based restaurant Plates London, said the menu showcases the diversity of what trees can offer.

Kirk began his career working with his father at Michelin-starred restaurant Northcote in Langho. He said: “My journey with plant-based cookery began in necessity for my own health.

“Today, seven years later, the journey is as interesting, leading me to now develop the first ever tree-based menu.

“It showcases the diversity of what trees offer, from coconuts, coffee and avocados to cacao and cashew nuts.

“It’s been a brilliant way to adapt my skills in the kitchen to bring the versatility of these ingredients in a delicious way to diners.”

Kirk Haworth showcasing one of the dishes on his three course menu (Image: Treedom)At an exclusive pop-up dining experience next month, diners can sample a delicate avocado ice cream with mandarin, pomegranate, and lemon in a savoury-style fruit salad to start.

The main course is a tree nut roast with a chestnut and coffee sauce with smoked banana, followed by a cacao mousse with coconut cream and pistachio ice cream for dessert.

Those interested in trying the unique three courses for themselves can head to the pop-up event on March 8 at Untitled Bar, London, with tickets available at £50 per head for three courses and a beer from Toast Ale.

Not only will diners make a difference to the environment by trialling tree-based at the pop-up event, but for every cover that evening, Treedom will plant a tree. 

Each diner will receive a QR code that they can redeem to plant their own Treedom tree and follow its journey online through their very own tree diary.  

Kirk serving up the cacao mousse with coconut cream and pistachio ice cream for dessert (Image: Treedom)

Anna Weston, Head of Development UK and Ireland at Treedom, commented: “Planting trees through our Treedom projects provides so much to the planet, from helping to combat the climate crisis, to empowering local communities to grow their own fruit and tree-based products that can then be sold at markets.

“We’re thrilled to be working with Plates London on the first ever tree-based menu to show how valuable trees and the flowers, fruits and seeds that grow on them are to the world in every way.

“Making small changes, such as eating plant, or tree, based food, and planting trees, is a simple way that individuals can make a difference to the planet.”

The 'Tree-course' Meal (Image: Treedom)

Treedom is the first digital platform that allows people to plant trees remotely at the click of a button; directly funding farmers worldwide and bringing environmental, social and financial benefits to their communities. 

To book tickets, go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/experience-the-worlds-first-tree-course-menu-made-entirely-from-trees-tickets-551495878017