Launch of Manchester’s MUSU Collection, headed up by Chef Patron, Steven Smith
Following the recent award win of 3 AA Rosettes, MUSU is thrilled to announce its evolution into the MUSU Collection – a series of unique culinary concepts aimed at delivering excellence. The first brand under the collection is KAJI, set to launch this October.
The newly appointed Chef Patron of the MUSU Collection, Steven Smith, formerly of the award-winning Freemasons at Wiswell, brings with him a wealth of experience, including earning 3 AA Rosettes and winning AA Restaurant of the Year for England.
Steven’s passion for Japanese cuisine and technical expertise will guide MUSU and KAJI towards further success, as he oversees ongoing menu curation and development.
The first in the series and launching in October, KAJI is Manchester’s latest dining destination, offering flame-inspired dishes that blend classic Japanese techniques with bold, modern ideas.
The KAJI menu is inspired by culinary traditions of Japan, and incorporates influences from Southeast Asia, Brazil, Peru, and Portugal, where Japanese communities have made their mark. These global influences bring exciting flavours, spices, and techniques back to Japan, creating dishes that are a fusion of open-flame grilling and rich cultural diversity.
A few highlights from the menu include A5 Japanese Wagyu Tartare with sumo miso and Cacklebean hen’s egg yolk, and Wild Sea Bass, served with langoustine and white miso broth.
The menu also features playful takes on classic dishes, including steak and chips — Meat of the Day grilled over coals, served with ox cheek-stuffed shiitake mushrooms, togarashi, sansho pepper sauce, and crispy potatoes.
Similarly, the Fish of the Day takes inspiration from the much-loved fish and chips, combining flame-grilled fish with seaweed butter sauce and crispy potatoes.
MUSU’s renowned sushi will be a cornerstone of KAJI, with both traditional and KAJI-style modern sushi on the menu. Open Temaki Hand Roll selection will also be a menu staple – a first for Manchester and perfect for both lunch and social dining.
The KAJI Bar will be a focal point of the new offering, serving up a dynamic range of flame-inspired cocktails, including the signature KAJI Pairing Cocktails served with miniature desserts. Guests can expect to see drinks that embrace flaming, toasting, and smoking techniques, adding a tangible element to the dining experience.
With DJs spinning soulful tracks to complement the vibrant atmosphere, paired with a backdrop of subtle mood lighting, KAJI will create a lively and social environment for both dining and drinks. Guests can enjoy the full menu or select items, while sipping on expertly mixed cocktails, Japanese beers, premium sake, and much more.
KAJI is set to bring something truly new to Manchester’s dining scene—where flame, flavour, and social dining merge into an unforgettable experience that’s both approachable and elevated.
A spokesperson for MUSU Collection, said: “As we enter this new chapter, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our outgoing Chef Patron, Michael Shaw, for his dedication and hard work in helping us achieve this prestigious accolade. His contributions have been invaluable, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”
“With this in mind, we are excited to introduce Steven Smith as the newly appointed Chef Patron of MUSU Collection. In 2025, MUSU plans to move into a purpose-built fine dining facility housing both a dedicated Omakase restaurant and a fine dining restaurant, which Steven and the team are very much looking forward to.”
KAJI opens this October. To secure reservations first, visit kajimcr.com or follow us on Instagram @kajimcr for the latest updates.