IT’S still early days – with the number of traders set to treble later in the year – but the Hatch pop-up hub on Oxford Road already looks a good egg.
Developers Bruntwood have backed this new independent, creative neighbourhood hunkered down under the Mancunian Way flyover and, though it encompasses entrepreneurial fashion, jewellery, art, craft and design start-ups, the ToM focus is on its globally-inspired food and drink offering, conveniently sited on the route home of thousands of hungry students.
So let’s hear it for…
Takk and Öl Northern Quarter artisan coffee house Takk is one of Hatch’s anchor brands – their permanent home here is a pop up version of their Nordic-inspired coffee bar and work space, Takk Espresso Bar. Öl is Takk’s baby brother – a nano brewery and keg bar. Beers are brewed on site in collaboration with Byrne the Cake Brewery. Also expect pints, bottles and cans from the likes of Track, Runaway, Cloudwater and many more.
Love + Labour James Jensen and Katie Scott offer the city centre’s first all low-intervention wine retailers. hope to expand their space into a bar where they can serve up their natural wines by the glass.
Öl overlooks the courtyard – Hatch’s lovely, outdoor courtyard and al fresco dining area. Serviced by the evolving street food presence, there’s plenty of seating, shelter from the elements via a living green terrace roof, festoon lights and a DJ booth. Matty White’s Supper Club Fodder video from Öl is proof of how jolly Hatch can be. Here are the street food traders fuelling that vibe…
Blue Caribou Canteen These British Street Food Award finalists serve poutine – French fries and cheese curds topped with gravy The squeaky Québec-style curds are made to an authentic Canadian recipe in the Forest of Bowland.
El Marchador Hatch’s taco and tamales specialists create tasty, 100 per cent plant-based and gluten-free Mexican food to the community.
Eat and Sweet An outpost of the family-run Jamaican takeaway in the Northern Quarter ladling out jerk vibes and soul food. Affordable and authentic they offer meat and veggie options.
Well Hung Carnivore central serving an affordable range of lunch and dinners, including classic steak and dripping chips with a chimichurri sauce, or eat-on-the-go tasty steak sandwiches.
After this feast don’t forget to check out mural specialist Paint Sayers, floral artists Beehive and quirky gift providers Nonsense from Prestwich.
The most recent addition to the neighbourhood was the launch (above) of Parklife who opened a Pop Up Festival Shop at Hatch for two days in March – a collaboration which will be the first of many. The Hatch team (from Afflecks, part of the Bruntwood team) are already ‘hatching plans’ with the city’s most exciting events and cultural communities.
Head of Bruntwood retail Toby Sproll said: “We’re already talking to a number of exciting traders for phase 2 of the scheme in August, which will see us grow the site with an additional 18 units and we're focused on making sure we get the right mix of makers, operators, innovators and start-ups in, to ensure Hatch becomes a 'must visit' destination and a lively community hub that people want to be a part of."
Hatch, Oxford Road, Manchester, M1 7ED.