IT’S August Bank Holiday at The Refuge, so it has to be the legendary Come As You Are Weekender. This time with a naughty courtyard feast from Alex ‘Big Grillie’ Applegarth, fresh from his success at the Summer In The City’ BBQ & beats takeover.
It’s pretty much the same dirty food offering – the Una-Burger representing Manchester’s Unabombers (Refuge operators Luke Cowdrey and Justin Crawford) and The Piggy Smalls. Perfected at Joshua Brooks, the first is a classic cheeseburger paired with pickles, mustard, and burnt butter black pepper mayo; the seond a bacon cheeseburger with pickles, pulled pork and a drizzle of screaming BBQ sauce.
The Big Grillie menu also features two hot dogs, The Pig Narstie topped with ketchup, mustard and onions, and The Re-Fugee-la-la with pulled pork crispy onions and BBQ sauce. There will also be plenty of veggie options.
The party itself continues straight into the basement of The Refuge, kicking off with Horse Meat Disco on Friday night, Joey Negro on Saturday night – both being ticketed events. The Come As You Are Weekender will then be closed by Homoelectric and local label Sprechen Music in the basement with a free party open to everyone.
The Refuge by Volta, The Principal Hotel, Oxford Road, Manchester, M60 7HA. 0161 2281111. Sat Aug 25 and Sun Aug 26, from 2pm. In the courtyard, free.