Manchester Food and Drink Festival kicked off in style today as hundreds braved the rain to enjoy beers and BBQs.
The two-week event opened in Cathedral Gardens to celebrates its 25th anniversary. Despite the grey skies, the festival's outdoor hub - situated next to the Urbis building, was full of life as street food vendors fired up the cookers.
Outdoor seating has been laid out and visitors can now checkout the covered beer tent where Manchester brewers Joseph Holt will be commandeering the festival bar. Festival Fire Pit Takeover is new for this year, with top chefs Caroline Martins, Robert Owen Brown and Francisco Martinez bringing their BBQ flavours.
One of the main attractions at the festival, which lasts from September 22 to October 2, is the street food village., which is free to enter. The artisan food and drink market also returns, showcasing a plethora of local and homegrown talent with everything from artisan spirts and doughnuts to handmade biscuits and health-boosting juices.
Read more: Manchester Food and Drink Festival 2022 reveals final line-up
What street food is there?
Over the next two weeks there will be a rotation of street food vendors serving up delicious food across the festival hub. Split into two halves, the first line-up - running from September 22 to 25 features fresh slices of pizza from II Forno, Japanese street food from Super Bao, Ethiopian 'soul' food from House of Habesha, plus chippy teas from Hip Hop Chip Shop.
They're joined by Meksikan, Mi & Pho, Heavenly Indian and Cafe Cannoli - the latter serving up delicious Sicilian street food. Guzzle will be on hand with a fresh supply of coffee and ice cream.
From 29 September to 2 October, Senor Paella will showcase their Spanish delicacies, while burgers will come courtesy of What's Your Beef, and wood-fired Neapolitan pizza from I Knead Pizza. Joining them, will be Oh My Glaze, Parmogeddon, Herbivorous, Bab K and Cha Cha Churros.
What about drinks?
This year will also see the return of the Manchester Beer Bar in The Festival Hub, sponsored by Mancunian brewery Joseph Holt. To celebrate the festival’s milestone anniversary, they’ll be brewing a special 25th anniversary beer, and serving it at the Hub alongside a handpicked selection of beers from 25 of Manchester’s best breweries including First Chop, Burton Road Brewery and Thirst Class.
Next to the beer tents you'll also find a bar selling gin and vodka with a range of appealing accompaniments including elderflower and lemon tonic, pink grapefruit tonic and rhubarb and ginger tonic. Single are available for £5 while doubles are £8 and soft drinks are £2.
Special events
The Festival Masterclass Kitchen
On Saturday 24 in collaboration with top chefs and industry experts, Octopus Books will host a variety of cookery demos, conversations and debates. Foodie demos and panels include Kate Humble and Lia Leendertz on seasonal cooking; Jeremy Pang's School of Wok Chinese Cooking demo; and Jaega Wise vs Joel Harrison in conversation with Neil Ridley talking all things beer and cocktails.
On Sunday, MFDF invites visitors to come and join a selection of local chefs and expert producers as they share their tips in the Manchester Masterclass Kitchen. Join the likes of Tampopo and Ancoats Coffee as they share some of their secrets and knowledge.
The Festival Firepit
The Festival Firepit, sponsored by Weber, will see some of the region’s best loved chefs cooking over fire for a first time festival feast on Cathedral Gardens. Chefs hosting the BBQ include Caroline Martins, founder of the Sao Paolo project, Robert Owen Brown and Francisco Martinez from Fazenda.
Coffee Rave with Factory Coffee
MFDF Coffee Shop of the Year nominee, Factory Coffee, will be serving the ultimate pick-me-up with their viral ‘Coffee Rave’. Taking place on Friday, September 30, caffeine lovers should head on down to the Festival Hub from 12-3pm to enjoy a FREE coffee.
As well as free espressos and flat whites, the coffee connoisseurs have teamed up with the Rogue Artisan ice cream to offer festival-goers an exclusive opportunity to try their delicious affogatos, all for free, whilst local DJ will be spinning the decks for the perfect soundtrack for your afternoon boost.
Restaurant offers
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the MFDF, a host of restaurants have devised a special £25 menu. Thai BBQ spot District will offer three dishes for £25, while Embankment Kitchen, Mi & Pho, 20 Stories, Tast, Shoryu Ramen, TNQ and Harvey Nichols will also be taking part.
The MFDF Artisan Markets
Free to enter and open from midday until 7pm each day of the Festival Hub, the MFDF Artisan Markets will showcase some of the region's best independent food and drink producers, makers and businesses.
Among those showcasing wares at the Artisan Market will be the likes of Ancoats Distillery offering samples of their craft gins; The Chocolate Cafe, serving up hand-crafted chocolate; and Prendi ii Biscotti and their Italian biscuits and sweet treats.
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