Manchester’s open air food hall, Escape to Freight Island, has refreshed it’s entire offering in anticipation of a busy summer. In addition to resident traders Voodoo Rays (pizza) and Burgerism it has added a range of new independent food stalls offering everything from curry to sushi.
It’s handy if you’re heading over to meet up with friends because you can choose what you want and pay via QR codes and collect it from each trader. Alternatively, guests are free to browse each F&B trader and order directly. That way you’re all free to choose something different and there’s no arguments about splitting the bill.
New traders include Mia’s Arepas serving Venezuela’s answer to the bao bun. The gluten-free flatbreads come stuffed with a variety of fillings including meat, tuna, vegetables or cheese. For die hard carnivores, there’s a new menu from BBQ specialists Smoking Coal who will be there between Thursday and Sunday offering meat-based delights from burgers, brisket and pork belly to Bratwurst and beef short rib poutine.
If chips are your thing, then go and see the team at The Fry-By who are offering the drink-friendly classic fritto misto and a range of loaded triple cooked fries. Global flavours are represented by FUKU who are offering a range of fusion Korean, Japanese and Chinese dishes such as katsu chicken curry and sticky garlic chicken. Inspired by a rich history of recipes passed down through the family and drawing on a range of Asian countries, traditions, and cultures, FUKU takes the very best culinary ideas the east has to offer and plates it up for you in a laid-back street food format.
For something a little lighter, check out Koko Sushi who are offering a range of freshly made nigiri, maki, uramaki and dragon rolls, as well as yakitori and sandos stuffed with Cheshire pork collar katsu with chilli and bacon jam.
Need some comfort food? Head to Lazy Tony’s, a dedicated lasagneria offering large stuffed subs, five layered lasagnes, meatballs, garlic bread and mozzarella sticks.
Mega Gyros are representing the Mediterranean with a menu of Greek classics including dips, salads, wraps, feta spring rolls with honey and sesame and fully loaded gyros.
Sometimes only a curry will do which is why we’re excited to see a new home for Payal who have launched a full-flavoured Asian and Indian menu featuring street chaat, Tibetan momo and an Indian Thali where you can choose three curries, sides and a naan for £15.
For those who are after something sweet, there’s Oh My Cheesecake offering sweet indulgence on a stick from waffles and cheesecake to brownies and strawberries loaded with toppings all washed down with your choice of semi-frozen milkshake. Choo Choo are also there serving freshly made pastle de natas, eclairs and coffee.
Escape to Freight Island is now also home to Forever Changes a new deli where guests can graze at small plates, charcuterie and cheese boards, or neck a freshly shucked oyster or six with a glass of fizz. It’s also a wine bar with over 100 bottles of low intervention boutique wines to enjoy by the bottle or glass.
The Jane Eyre is still operation the resident bar serving classic and contemporary cocktails, draft beer and wines – check out their great value happy hour with £6 cocktails on Thursdays and Fridays between 4pm and 7pm. There are plenty of other places to get a drink at ETFI including the Freight Island Bar, The Tap Room, Camden Town Brewery, Kopparberg Bar, The Sports Bar (which screens feature events) and a huge self-service Guinness machine.
This huge food, drink, culture and entertainment venue is housed in the old Mayfield Depot, less than five minutes walk from Manchester Piccadilly train station. Visit escapetofreightisland.com for more details.
Freight Island, 11 Baring Street, Manchester M1 2PZ
Follow @freightislandmcr
