Food and Drink News Feat. Stretford Food Hall, Beatnikz, Honest Burgers and more

It might not feel like we’re slap-bang in the middle of Summer here in Manchester – but that doesn’t mean there’s not plenty of food and drink to bring some sunshine into your days. We have news of a very long pub name, the opening of a new convenience store and food Hall for Stretford, some very cold beer at Beatnikz and a new sour from Shindigger, while the last days of Festival Square are also in sight for another two years.

Longest Named Pub Reopens In Stalybridge
You may need a drink by the time you’ve finished asking, ‘anyone fancy a couple at The Old Thirteenth Cheshire Astley Volunteer Rifleman Corps Inn?’ but after 3 years you can indeed ask it again. After closing in 2016, Stalybridge’s The Rifleman (as locals know it), has reopened in a new spot as the new landlady has bought the name. Thankfully the new location is wide enough that the whole name can fit on the side of the pub.
Open Now, The Old Thirteenth Cheshire Astley Volunteer Rifleman Corps Inn, 9-11 Market St, Stalybridge SK15 2AL

Stretford Food Hall
Fans of Ancoats General Store, or just Stretfordians excited to get their hands on some craft produce, are all abuzz as the new Stretford Food Hall has opened. Launched by Mital Morar, owner of Ancoats General Store, the store inside Stretford Mall has a whole host of craft produce to take away or savour inside. As well as a bar serving craft ales and spirits, there’s also a bakery and a pizza street food vendor. The new store is also proud of its eco-friendly credentials with over 40 dry goods dispensers for packaging free produce including cereals, fruits, and nuts. Open from 7am-11pm Mon-Sat and 8am-11pm on Sundays, it’s hoped the food Hall becomes a neighbourhood store for many near Chester Road.
Open now, Stretford Food Hall, Stretford Mall, Chester Rd, Stretford, Manchester M32 9BD www.twitter.com/stretfordfh

Festival Square Closing
This weekend marks the last time MiF and food and drink fans can get their fill at Festival Square. The arty hub is open for the entirety of the festival which comes to a close this weekend and so must the square which means a last chance to try JW Lee’s festival beers and the Kala and Honest Crust pop-ups, among others. There’s a whole roster of free events on in the pavilion until the end to enjoy your food and drinks with, too.
Until Sun 21st Jul, Festival Square, Albert Square, M60 2LA, www.mif.co.uk/whats-on/festival-square/

Beer Slushie At Beatnikz
Dale Street bar Beatnikz have come up with a novel way to sell their beer – in slushie form. Often associated with vividly bright colours and wildly sweet flavours, Beatnikz are swapping that for the darkness of a stout or the amber of an ale in their special beer slushie machines. Rather than becoming overly sweet, the slushie intensifies the flavour of the beer but also allows for some interesting cocktails perfect for a warm summer day. Beer slushies are made every day and flavours and cocktails change regularly.
Beatnikz Bar, 35 Dale St, Manchester M1 2HF, www.beatnikzrepublic.com/bar

Honesty Box Burgers
Honest Burgers have come good on their name for the sake of charity. The recently opened Manchester branch of the burger chain is hosting a pay what you feel honesty box this week. Between 11.30-4.30 on Wednesday (17th July) all food served will be on the proviso you pay as you feel when you leave with everything in the box going to charity. Obviously you can choose to be stingy, but the hope is that Mancunians will dig deep to help those less fortunate.
Wed 17th Jul, Honest Burgers, 36 Bridge St, Manchester M3 3BT, 11.30am 4.30pm, www.honestburgers.co.uk/locations/manchester/

Shindigger At Cane & Grain
This Thursday sees Manchester brewers Shindigger take over the taps at Cane & Grain to celebrate the launch of their first ever sour beer. In collaboration with Farmyard Ales, the beer makers have thrown in a stack of raspberries and cherries to make the 3.8% sour, called Sour Power, and will be available from 7pm on 17th July. Thurs 17th Jul, Cane & Grain, 49 -51 Thomas St, Manchester M4 1NA, from 7pm, www.twitter.com/CaneAndGrain