Readers of a new regional magazine will need a ‘strong drink’ to wash down the contents, its new editor told HoldtheFrontPage.

Former Scotsman writer David Lloyd is part of a trio of “urban exploration” professionals launching a new food, travel, style, culture and design publication next month.

Bitten, a 20,000 free distribution bi-monthly, will hit the markets of Manchester and Liverpool plus a wider audience in North Wales, Cheshire, Lancashire and Cumbria.

The editorial chief has teamed up with Helen Ramsbottom and Chris Grimes, the former commercial and sales directors of website Manchester Confidential, in a rekindling of a partnership which saw them produce city living monthly magazine Almanack last year.

David, who edited and launched Trinity Mirror’s Capital of Culture magazine and website, Liverpool.com, in 2007, said the new venture will be arriving in a “disenfranchised market.”

He added: “Many of today’s regional food titles are PR-driven, glossy and insubstantial. They are paid-for advertorials, masquerading as magazines.

“Our magazine will have a different take – something, as the title suggests, with a real bite to the editorial.”

In the first edition, the strong news agenda will include an article on how cage fighters lose a stone in weight before they step into the ‘ring’ and how to smoke your own meat.

We are going on an experience, joining the reader on a journey of discovery. I will be learning for the first time how to cook things that just might not work out,” added David.

The 45-year-old former Guardian City Life editor, pictured right, also produces three titles for Liverpool – SevenStreets.com , an urban life online magazine; Liverpool Vision’s flagship inward investment title, ‘it’s'; and Liverpool John Lennon Airport’s customer magazine Voyage.

Helen Ramsbottom added: “Bitten has been months in the planning and we’re delighted we can finally announce the birth of what we plan to be the definitive food bible for the North West and beyond.

“There is a gap in the market for an honest, beautiful and passionate magazine that brings genuine news stories, features and insight for an intelligent, urban readership.”