Manchester Food and Drink Festival returns in 2016 for another serving of North West gastronomic delights. With a packed schedule over 11 days showcasing the region’s talents, the pop up food village in Albert Square will be open daily along with the street food fair, festival bar and producer market, all accompanied by live entertainment. There are a number of really special events taking place too including a Baratxuri dinner party, a vegan banquet and a supper spectacular with Duck and Waffle’s Dan Doherty at Old Granada Studio’s Bonded Warehouse as well as a Spanish walking tour.

1. Spanish supper: Baratxuri dinner party
Ramsbottom’s Basque bar Baratxuri has garnered significant foodie excitement, with chef Joe Botham up for a festival award this year. Serving up tapas-like pintxos, they’re bringing their tasty food revolution to the city. Examples from their menu include txistorra (chorizo sausage roll) and txangurro a la donastiana (spider crab tartlet), all washed down with Basque white wine, txakoli. Join them to experience the pop-up pintxo bar for yourself.
Fri 7 Oct, Festival Hub on Albert Square, 7pm,  £40,  www.manchesterfoodanddrinkfestival.com

2. Vegan Street Food banquet with Masterchef Jackie Kearney
Masterchef runner-up and author of Vegan Street Food Jackie Kearney will be holding an experimental vegan banquet. Although the menu is currently under wraps, the meat and dairy-free feast will be popular, so it’s advisable to book early.
Sat 8 Oct, Festival Hub on Albert Square, 7pm, £35 www.manchesterfoodanddrinkfestival.com

3. Dan Doherty (Duck and Waffle) hosts Hidden Banquet at OGS (pictured) 
Group Executive Chef from London’s acclaimed 24-hour restaurant Duck and Waffle will be hosting one of the festival’s Hidden Banquet events to raise funds for Action Against Hunger. ‘Industry by Dan Doherty’ is part of the series designed to allow guests to explore some of the city’s lesser known buildings of Manchester’s industrial heritage, with stunning event venue The Bonded Warehouse certainly living up to that. Held on the lofty top floor, local historian and author Jonathan Schofield will be talking guests through the historical significance of the building, whilst Dan serves up a banquet to match the impressive surroundings. Tickets are limited and this will be in high demand.
Sat 8 Oct, The Bonded Warehouse, Manchester, M3 3JE, 7pm, £80,  www.manchesterfoodanddrinkfestival.com

4. Spanish Trail taking in seven restaurants
Manchester Food and Drink Festival are staging two nights of guided Spanish restaurant walks taking in seven restaurants around the Deansgate area and include a dish and glass of wine each – making this a remarkable feast for the price. Start at Instituto Cervantes and stroll the city’s finest restaurants and bars including Tapeo & Wine, Iberica, La Bandera, El Gato Negro and Lunya. A tour guide will talk about Manchester’s Spanish heritage in an increasingly rambuctious style as the tour progresses.
Wed 5 & Thu 6 Oct, starting at Instituto Cervantes, 326-330 Deansgate, Campfield Avenue Arcade, Manchester M3 4FN. Tel: 0161 661 4201, www.manchesterfoodanddrinkfestival.com

Thu 29 Sep- Mon 10 Oct, Manchester Food and Drink Festival, Albert Square, and other venues, www.foodanddrinkfestival.com

Thu 29 Sep - Mon 10 Oct
Words:
Kate Holmes
Published on:
Tue 27 Sep 2016