Quickpost: Penelope’s Kitchen

Over the summer I became a little bit obsessed with icecream. Not just because we were suddenly surrounded by frozen yoghurt shops and gelato in Manchester, but particularly because of a certain little pop-up in Spinningfields – Penelope’s.

Run by the lovely Carla (who is truely one of the nicest, down to earth, genuine people it’s ever been my pleasure to meet) there was a delectable selection of icecream treats on offer, even adult boozy ones. When it closed, I was heartbroken.

But there is good news. Penelope’s is back.

Even better, it’s new, different and perfect for the winter months. I’ve been more than anticipating it’s opening – offering real winter fare that you can get your teeth into; warming, comfort food.

Penelope’s and a small host of other goody purveyors are now situated in the marquee on Spinningfields that also holds the ice rink. I was thrilled to see this includes Pancake Corner, that little Urmston haven. Even better this means it’s under cover – so you can hide away from Manchester’s predictable weather (we all know it’s going to rain).

 

So what forms of winter fare can you expect? It’s cold, it’s wet, you’ve just remembered why you have a love/hate relationship with the Christmas Markets (love the markets, hate the crowds) so how about a cup of hot chocolate? Made with Slattery’s chocolate buttons, there’s none if that powdery sludge you’d normally get, just creamy rich chocolate to warm you up.

 

 

Perhaps that tickle your fancy, after all, you’ve walked past more bratwurst and pancakes than you can shake a stick at, but the queues were horrific, you need something really filling, so how about British hotpot? Warming, slightly spicy and homemade it’ll warm you back up in no time. To really perk it up, homemade pickled red cabbage and a piece of soft fresh bread to fill the corners.

 

If you’ve any room left (or are popping back later for more) how about a bit of apple crumble? Fresh apples cooked to perfection, still keeping a touch of bite, cinnamon, custard and crumble topping.

 

 

 

From today, Penelope’s and the other stalls in this little undercover hideaway open. If you’ve braved the Arndale and dodged pushchairs or wandered the markets and need to escape, I can think of no better place to go.