Manchester food & drink news Ft. 50% off Bistrotheque, Doner Haus, Alex’s Bakery

One of Manchester’s longest running food and drink festivals returns for its 14th year this weekend, and has just announced its full list of vendors. The Bolton Food and Drink Festival is organised by Bolton Council and runs over the Bank Holiday weekend offering more than 200 food, drink, and gift stalls. Festival partner Carrs will be launching a new vegan pasty, there will be authentic Italian cannoli, local cheeses and meats as well as bars open late alongside music stages. Aldi, as main sponsors, will also be hosting a special bar showcasing the finest booze from the discount supermarket’s range. Fri 23 – Mon 26 Aug.

The latest restaurant to make its way up North from London, Bistrotheque, has announced it is set for a soft launch prior to its grand unveiling on Sep 19 and, best of all, the food is half price for a limited time. If you’re prepared to fill out a feedback form at the end of your meal, diners can get 50% from Sep 3 – Sep 8, as well as an early peek at what the place looks like. The new Ducie Street restaurant will be housed inside Cultureplex, that has taken over old goods warehouse, and booking is available by signing up to their website.

This last weekend has seen a new bakery pop up in The Great Northern following successful pop-ups for the independent bakers. Alex’s Bakery is the first permanent site for baker Alex Furlan and will be offering brownies, sponge cakes, and cupcakes starting from just £2. Alex had previously run a concession in the Trafford Centre after being spotted by Debenhams whilst selling at Bury Market. There will also be a selection of hot drinks in the bakery to enjoy alongside the sweet treats. Open now.

After opening up only their second restaurant outside of London on Bridge Street less than a year ago, Dishoom has found itself in favour with much of Manchester with their homage to Iranian cafes of the past. Now diners can enjoy the flavours of Dishoom in their own home thanks to the recently launched Dishoom cookbook which includes the recipe for the Bacon Naan, adored by many of a morning. Book available now.

Making a welcome return this Bank Holiday is the Tattu Film Screening series. Having proved very popular in their previous iterations, Mon 26 Aug sees the Chinese restaurant bring three classic films to life alongside a three course meal. For £40 diners get the meal, a cocktail, and a choice of Grease, Dirty Dancing, or American Pie, at 1pm, 4pm, and 7pm respectively.

You wait years for an upscaled kebab shop to come along and suddenly Manchester has two of them. Following on from the success of Little Lever Street’s BAB, Donner Haus is the latest to prove kebabs aren’t just for late night booze soaking. Having already opened a Berlin style kebab house in Glasgow, they are following Six By Nico’s lead and heading down to Manchester. Expect other classic Berlin cuisine such as currywurst and pilsners to be on the menu when Donner Haus turns up at the Corn Exchange in Autumn.

Corn Exchange may be adding Doner Haus where the collapsed Byron burgers used to be, but it’s losing another chain as Cabana has closed down following the entering of administration by the chain’s parent company.

It may seem a little bit early, seeing as we’re not even through the Bank Holiday yet, but if you’re already thinking about mulled wine and bratwurst then there’s a date for your diary. The council have announced that the food, drink, and gift stalls will raise their shutters on Nov 8 until Dec 22 to supply Manchester visitors with all the European Christmas fare they can possibly stand. Be aware, however, that Zippy Santa is no more, as the aged Christmas figure is due to be replaced this year.