TASTE of Manchester ought to be celebrating National Sausage Week or alternatively International Vegan Month; instead, we say cheers to International Sherry Week and this underrated wine’s greatest local champions,. Hangingditch.
Once again they are teaming up with near neighbours Umezushi to curate a matching marriage made in heaven – sherry and sushi.
On Saturday, November 7, the acclaimed Japanese restaurant under the arches near Victoria Station will be hosting a one-off tasting menu for £45, to include matching sherries provided by the Ditch folk, who are also offering an informal sherry tasting and discussion (£10) at the shop the following day. Big draw here are the wines of Fernando de Castilla, imported by Boutinot – from bone dry Fino to luscious perfect chocolate partner Pedro Ximenez. Plus throughout the week (Nov 2-8) there are extended ranges of Hangingditch sherry on offer Common and Kosmonaut in the Northern Quarter.
November is a busy month for Hangingditch. Friday, November 20 is the date of their annual Wine Fair, amazingly the eighth, at Manchester Cathedral, kicking off at 6.30pm. Tickets are £35; purchase a case of 12 bottles or more (mixed) on the evening and you redeem £25 off the ticket price. Call in to book or ring 0161 8328222.
Sat Nov 7, Umezushi, 4 Mirabel Street, Manchester, M3 1PJ, Tel: 0871 811 8877, £45. To book visit umezushi.co.uk and add the note ‘sherry and sushi’ to your reservation.
Sun Nov 8, Hangingditch Wine Merchants, 42 Victoria Street, Manchester, M3 1ST. 0161 832 8222. 2pm – 8pm, £10 advance, www.hangingditch.com