It’s back. The Manchester Food and Drink Festival is here in all it’s glory and along with it, the fun that is the festival hub on Albert Square. Having missed out last year as I was on holiday, I’ve thrown myself into it with wild abandon.
It feels a little more commercial this year than previously, but it’s still showcasing more fantastic local businesses, producers and demonstrations all festival long.
This weekend has been kind, with good weather – hot enough on Friday and Saturday to rival our limited summer. And the food and drink? Well, it’s has been fabulous.
So what have you missed so far?
Pizza Peddlers have been selling their gorgeous wood fired pizzas – try the rocket and garlic oil on top for a flavour boost and tell them sausage girl sent you…
Firm favourites Margo & Rita have dragged the van out from behind The Beagle and are selling the most gorgeous soft tacos. So good I forgot to take a photo with my camera before I finished them. Sorry (not really, they were gorgeous and perfect hangover cure food).
Goodies are on offer from Harvey Nichols and The Albert Square Chophouse (corned beef hashcake with brown sauce anyone?), there’s some stunning vegetarian street food and prawns and chicken from Chaophraya that are begging to be scoffed.
As a nice segway from food to booze, Harvey Nichols are doing bubbles and hotdogs, whereas if you’d prefer something wholeheartedly boozey, you need to hit the beer tent.
Or booze tent as it should be called. Over this weekend it housed Robinson’s Brewery, but as of today, it’s a full on Oktoberfest with Kaltenberg Royal Lager.
Or if wine is more your thing, Bakerie have a good selection (the red proved my downfall on Thursday night and the reason I needed to visit Margo & Rita on Friday) and if that’s still not your cup of tea….
Then get yourself to Apotheca and grab an alcoholic slushy. Or ask them to mix the two together and give yourself an ice cream headache with alcohol (worth it).
And once you’re fed and watered, browse the stalls for some nibbles, cakes, or some rum or gin to take home.
Or like me, visit a demonstration. In my case sausage making with James from Bobby’s Bangers and Bobby’s Bangers Sausage School. Despite my yarn skills, linking sausages defeats me entirely. I think it’s because it’s too much like crochet.
Yes, that’ll be it.
So this week, if you haven’t been amongst the hordes to visit and get your food and drink fill, go. You’re missing out. And no-one wants that.
Looks great as usual! I had a look at all of the associated foodie tours and special edition menus/offers going on but can’t really afford them. I’m looking forward to trying loads of delicious veggie food in the square though, thanks to your feature.