THERE’S so much to occupy festive revellers in this season to be jolly… the traditional Christmas Markets, more upmarket Spinningfields with Bar Hütte and the B.Eat Street crew relaunching bigger and better and the Whitworth's upcoming hygge-centric Scandi Fair over the first weekend of December.
The latter is the pick of the one-off events but our season-log favourite has to be the Winter Gathering, which runs until Sunday, January 8 inside the iconic London Road Fire Station. Still in the early stages of its redevelopment, its ‘pop-up’ winter market reopening to the public centred round a huge ice rink in the courtyard has captured the imagination.
On the opening night ToM was captivated by the quality of the street food traders (line-up below), cocktails and sound system. Oh and the quirkier touches, too, like the beautiful festooned lighting and the vintage fire truck.
Paying homage to the building’s history, organisers have acquired an original 1929 engine, which was commissioned at London Road and was in service in the station. Located just behind the decks, the truck will be a focal point for visitors during the day, with more child activity announcements expected soon.
For grown-ups there’s a raft of world famous DJs on the way. Saturday nights expected to be the venue’s busiest – tickets are available to buy here to guarantee entry.
The food vendors, some permanent, some on a rotating basis, were hand-picked by the folk behind the prestigious British Street Food Awards:
Beastro A foretaste of what to expect when the Bangers & Bacon team open their permanent Leftbank home this December. Charcuterie, pickles, beef dripping chips, all hand-made. Pick is Porchetta — a rolled middle of pork stuffed with herbs and garlic, slow roasted and set on a flatbread with salsa verde and dressed leaves.
So Salad Crew A world apart from Beastro, mining the trend for mindful, clean eating. Not for ToM but if seasonal wintergreens and leafy salads rock your boat, it’s worth calling in on the way to the gym.
Wing It Sweet, sharp, tender and uber juicy, these wings have won awards. Be warned – Their hardcore hot sauce features some of the world’s fiercest chillies – Californian Reapers and Naga Ghost. You have been warned.
Steel Smoking Expect pulled pork, red cabbage and apple sauce set on a sweet brioche bun, offset with the mild smokiness of searing, smouldering charcoal. Veggies don’t miss out. The aubergine, portobello mushroom and halloumi burger is no slouch either.
Eat New York Street Diner Bagel-slinging food truck with unmistakable East Coast swagger, specialising in salt beef, cheeseburgers, fries, shakes and sodas.
Nanny Bill’s Spanish croquettes from a 1970s Citroen HY truck. Pick from crowd-pleasing fillings such as slow-cooked beef and ale or pea, mint and feta. Rumour has the crispy balls will be joined by jerk chicken for the Gathering.
Second City Coffee Caffeine with a conscience, their signature in-house blend comes from the Cafe Femininio Project, a Peruvian women-only foundation.
Eat Dutch Better waffles than the Christmas Markets stodge. You’ll find sugar-crystal caramelised crust and sweet, pillowy insides. Toppings include addictive amounts of Nutella, apple cinnamon, and a specially seasonal warm cherry compote and cream.
Sela Food Truck Since 2014 the Leeds cheese obsessives have been mobile, these days operating out of a big red 1979 Bedford Camper affectionately referred to as ‘Starchy’. Say cheese!
Streatza Streatza Their beautifully converted classic 1969 Citroen H van boasts a 700kg wood fired oven and a fridge stocked with the best Italian tomatoes, mozzarella and free range meat – perfect toppings for their hand-rolled dough.
The Wondertruck from Almost Famous For burger lovers the stuff of legend – double beef patties, wonder onions, gooey cheese – served from the largest vehicle at The Gathering
KerbEdge But don’t miss their burger rivals from across the border, offering handmade chuck steak mince patties burgers made from Yorkshire-reared Limousin cattle.
MilkJam An exciting new dessert venture created by three of Manchester’s leading confectioners -- Claire Kelsey of Ginger’s Comfort Emporium ice creams; Charlotte O’Toole of BakeOrama; and Nicki Griffiths of Lush Brownies.
There are a number of bars and a mezzanine floor, which is available for private hire and features its own cocktail bar and stunning views over the entire site. The main custom-made bar has seating during the day and warmed by electric heaters, while by night it takes on an after-hours party vibe, as the tables are swept to one side to make room for a dance floor.
Winter Gathering, London Road Fire Station, Fri, Nov 11 to Sun, Jan 8. Open every day except Monday. £5 entry; ice skating £12 a session – buy tickets here.