DOWN the Hatch? The trip down Oxford Road to the pop-up hub is starting to look essential. No sooner had we reported that Holy Crab were arriving for a 12-week residency when another ToM foodie fave is announced for the Bruntwood-backed food, drink and shopping project under the Mancunian Way.
Yadda Yadda, Phil Cook’s re-interpretation of the artisan kebab, is still wowing punters at Elektrik bar in Chorlton; from Wednesday, May 2 it will also offer an extended pop-up stall in one of Hatch shipping container spaces.
Their freshly made Persian flatbreads will include fillings such as 12 hour slow-cooked Mount Grace farm North Yorkshire lamb shoulder shawarma and chickpea daal with coconut milk, smoked almonds, apricots and dates.
From the following day (May 3) specialist chicken stall Firebird Hope will also be joining the line-up. These stalwarts of Manchester’s supper club scene will be serving up two distinctive sandwiches – the free-range fried chicken ‘Level-Up’ and the vegan fried ’Triple 6’, both served on sourdough buns with unique condiments and a top secret seasoning.
Their range complements the carnivore heaven that is Well Hung. These oriignal traders will remain in the courtyard offering an expanding menu at lunch and dinner, including classic steak and dripping chips with a chimichurri sauce, or eat-on-the-go tasty steak sandwiches.
With the nano-brewery and bar Öl on site Hatch doesn’t neglect the beloved hop either. Along with sister operation Takk coffee house it is hosting a Copenhagen Brew and Beer Festival (Sat and Sun, May 26- 27) featuring iconic brewers Mikeller and Warpigs plus coffees from the world renowned Coffee Collective. The event will include tastings and talks.
More fermentation afoot on Tuesday, May 22 when it’s Kombucha Day. There’ll be free samples given away in the courtyard by Booch & Brine, the only northern company to produce this fizzy, fermented tea with eye-catching health claims attached to it.
Hatch, of course, is as much about craft retail as food and drink. Plus there’s an array of live music and fashion events throughout May and a family fun day on Sunday, May (12pm-6pm). For a full line-up follow Hatch on Twitter @Hatch_MCR.
Kick off this Friday (May 4, 7pm-10.30pm) with a head-to-head Live Art Jam hosted by mural artist Paint Sayers (£6, buy tickets here). Top local artists will have just 40 minutes to paint, draw and create amazing live artwork before voting commences. Oh, yes and there’s plenty of street food and booze. Obviously – it’s Hatch!
Hatch, Oxford Road, Manchester, M1 7ED, opening hours vary.