THEY are ringing the changes at the Manchester Food and Drink Festival 2019. (September 26-October 7). 22 years in existence as the UK’s greatest regional food extravaganza and the organisers are not resting on their laurels.
Announcing arguably the strongest initial line-up ever they have also outlined a new vision for the Festival Hub. Last year’s Festival the giant igloo-like Dining Dome arrived in Albert Square; now it’s being transplanted to a new home in Cathedral Gardens – epicentre of all the epicurean action with a host of new fun factors – not least the debut of an artisan food market alongside an augmented street food array.
The Gardens, a popular green haven in the city centre, look the perfect place to chill out and find refreshment via a fresh batch of bespoke booze offerings. The Gin Bar will be hosted for the first time by J.J. Whitley, a premium spirits range inspired by the British countryside, and Lamb & Watt premium mixers.
The J.J. Whitley gin range includes London Dry Gin, Elderflower Gin, Nettle Gin, Violet Gin and Pink Cherry Gin which will all be available at the Festival gin bar, perfectly complemented by Lamb & Watt’s superior range of mixers made with organic blue agave, all natural ingredients and spring water sourced in the English Lake District. The range includes original tonic, light tonic, cucumber, hibiscus and basil tonics, as well as a refreshing ginger ale.
There will also be a huge, local craft beer bar serving up the very best beers from the region’s incredible brewery and micro-brewery scene – from Beatnikz Republic to Blackjack – as well as a new wine bar.
Camden Town Brewery will also be ‘here with the beer’ at the Festival Hub, pouring fresh beers from theirshipping container bar including Camden Hells Lager, Pale Ale and Show Off Juicy Lager. As the Festival’s official lager partner there’ll be plenty of beer activity happening throughout including tastings and samplings plus all their beers will be available at the main bar, too.
The City Life stage will feature an eclectic mix of Manchester’s best music talent, plus there’ll be chef demos, a cider fest and a whole host of other fantastic foodie treats popping up throughout the 11 day Festival Hub celebrations.
As one of the official media partners, Taste of Manchester feels it’s our duty to sample as much of the aforementioned delights as possible. Cheers.
Don’t miss our PREVIEW of MFDF 2019’s major events. For all the latest MFDF developments follow it on social media – Twitter: @MFDF19; Instagram: @MFDF2019; Facebook: @ManchesterFoodandDrinkFestival