Manchester Food and Drink Festival has announced the first events for the 2015 festival, with the organisers promising a fresh programme and the return of a full ‘Festival Fringe’ taking place in venues across the city. Here’s a look at just five of the highlights from the first array of announcements.
Simon Rogan’s ‘Week Gastronomique’
It’ll be Michelin stars aplenty when Simon Rogan brings his entire range of chefs to Manchester. Each night a different chef from his portfolio of restaurants will take over the kitchens at The French to present a menu created just for the festival. Group chef Mark Birchall, L’enclume’s Tom Barnes, Dan Cox from Fera at Claridge’s and, of course, Simon Rogan himself will all be taking part.
The French, September 15-19.
Experimental Ice Cream Banquet with Ginger’s Comfort Emporium
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, don’t miss this one. A regular at street food events across the city, Claire Kelsey of Ginger’s Comfort Emporium will be bringing a unique six course banquet to the festival – made entirely of ice cream. All the details are currently being kept under wraps but with Claire’s experimental approach to ice cream, expect a feast you won’t forget in a hurry.
Festival Hub, Albert Square, September 19.
Bio-Historic Banquet
This is one for the history buffs out there – a banquet inspired by the exhibits of Manchester Museum hosted underneath the skeleton of a dinosaur. The meal will be designed by Robert Owen Brown created using products grown by the Biospheric Foundation, and the museum’s curators will be also sharing their knowledge with diners between courses.
Manchester Museum, September 12.
Drink A’Long Lecture with Fergus Henderson
There’s a perfect drink for every part of the day according to St John Restaurant’s Fergus Henderson and he’ll be coming to Manchester to share his knowledge with a lucky few. From a pick-me-up after a heavy night to the perfect night cap, he’ll demonstrate the best tipples to enjoy from sunrise to sunset.
Festival Hub, September 12.
A new, improved Festival Hub
Returning again to Albert Square, the Festival Hub will this year feature its own event space where masterclasses, mini-fests, parties and demonstrations will be popping up. Beer lovers will be catered for with Pub at the Hub, hosted by Lancashire brewer Thwaites, and the 100 Greatest Beers Bar. Street food, cocktails and wine along with live music will also be on offer.
Festival Hub, Albert Square, September 10-20.
Manchester Food and Drink Festival, September 10-21.
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