TASTE of Manchester is a big fan of food producers banding together, creating a viable alternative to the supermarket run. So it was a pleasure to attend the relaunch after a summer break of the South Manchester Food Assembly at Stretford Sip Club, as indie a bar as it gets, which seemed appropriate.
Its owner is Heather Garlick (above), who also runs the Assembly, part of an international grass roots consumer movement that started in Germany. Her branch relaunch message was clear: “Welcome back to local, ethical food, delivered to your favourite bar with an opportunity to pick up a pint as you collect your shopping. What could be better?”
An added incentive to the order online/collect at the bar every Thursday (when some of the producers may be present) routine is a discounted drink again this week, adding to the party aspect of shopping in this way. Yes, after a glass of local Chorlton Sour, this writer is a definite convert.
Especially with the quality of producers Helen has collected – the likes of Dormouse Chocolates, recipients a gold star in this year's Great Taste awards for their 70.9% dark Ecuadorian Chocolate blended with Rose Oil and Raspberries; organic cheesemakers Pextenement, Lushbrownies, Stephenson’s Dairy of Morecambe, Spice Kitchen of Widnes and the terrific Oakbank Farm near Chester, which outdoor rears English Lop pigs.
The bacon we bought from Oakbank owner Chris Littler was excellent as were the juicy giant parsnips purchased from the groundbreaking (literally) and sustainable Abbey Leys Farm near Knutsford. This is the flagship Kindling Trust FarmStart project – the UK's first ‘organic farm business incubator’. The Trust’s idealistic aim is “to work towards a just and ecologically sustainable society, by establishing a practical working example of the world we want, right here in the North West.”
Usually in a week registered Assembly customers have until midnight on Tuesday to order fruit and veg, then collect between 5pm and 7pm on Thursday, along with other goods.
Food Assembly, Stretford Sip Club, 164a Barton Road, Stretford, M32 8DP.