In case you were absorbed in Parklife or Bon Jovi and Rhianna visiting town, there was a little something smoky, sexy and beer filled in Albert Square – Grillstock.
Forget overdone burgers and underdone sausage, we’re talking real barbecue, slow cooked, in some cases 14 hours – brisket, ribs, chicken. Heat smoke and spice.
As a barbecue fan, especially after Brew Dog’s new menu and having met the genius Dr Sweetsmoke and the guys behind Mac’s BBQ, I’m now enthralled by the techniques, equipment and sheer barbecue geekery.
Reds True BBQ preached their own kind of barbecue alongside From the Sauce and Manchester’s own Fire and Salt. Just in case you didn’t fancy that, grilled sausages from the Jolly Hog, smoothies, icecream and cakes. All on site and ready for the scoffing.
British bands performed on two different stages, including Manchester’s own Travelling Band and The Suns, Brooklyn beers in dive bars, chilli, rib and hot wing eating contests and food suppliers all vied for your attention.
And if you fancied a bit of shopping, you could get a little Butt Rub, or something Pork-o-Licious.
Then there was the big one. The King of the ‘Q’.
Teams competed in seven separate rounds, with points scored in the chicken, pork, brisket and ribs categories ultimately counting towards the title of Grand Champion. Teams from across the country – amateurs and professionals alike turned in incredible food. And if you managed to catch them at the right time, samples could make their way into your sticky fingers and greedy lips.
And competition was fierce.
The Grand Champions were the absolutely lovely Andy and his devoted lady Pennie, Crackerjack BBQ. And I don’t use these words lightly. Pennie slept in a shed, on site, for two nights and Andy slept approximately 2 hours in three days. That’s people passionate about what they do. And now they have an invite to the World Championships in Las Vegas later this year.
This was the first trip for Grillstock to Manchester and given that 45,000 beers were sold on Saturday, I think it’s pretty certain it was a success.
And I’ve learned my lesson. Next year, I’m going to be there all weekend.
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