A FREE party? Manchester, as always, is up for it. That’s why this Friday’s launch of the Winter Gathering should pack in the punters at iconic London Road.
What to expect? Entertainment by Mr Wilson’s Second Liners (above) and a cavalcade of culinary delights, provided by some of the UK’s hottest street food talent.
From Friday November 11 to Sunday January 8, the former fire station will be transformed into a winter market complete with an ice skating rink. The run will see an exciting line-up of world famous DJs and artists take to the stage.
For organised guests, tickets for the ice rink (under construction above) are now on sale https://manchestericerink.ticketsolve.com/#/shows/873565249/events/127994994 and with Saturday nights expected to be the venue’s busiest – thanks special guests announced each week – tickets are available to buy from Skiddle to guarantee entry. www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Manchester/London-Road-Fire-Station/The-Winter-Gathering/12864032/
But ToM readers really want to read about the food offering and it really is enticing with each vendor handpicked 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.
London Road Fire Station, Friday, November 11. Doors open at 4pm, and the event is free entry all night – usual entry prices will be £5. Ice skating will be on offer for £12 a session.