Review: Manchester Food & Drink Festival 2014

Ask any proud Mancunian about the city's Albert Square and the first words to come to their mouth will most likely be 'Christmas markets'. The Manchester Christmas Markets are an essential part of any festive holiday in the UK's real second city and, as Bavarian markets go, they're top of the tree for UK incarnations. But while the city gears up for the arrival of this year's markets, Albert Square is host to a number of foodie events - starting with the Manchester Food & Drink Festival.


The urban festival is taking part across the city but it's hub outside the Town Hall is host to the foodie highlights, as well a beer hall which is likely to rival that on offer when Oktoberfest rolls into town next month. Above the bar is a list of the 100 best beers - unfortunately there are only 40-odd on tap. Still, 40 is pretty good variety, so who are we to quibble?

Aside from the IPAs on offer, the food is well worth the visit. The festival is heading into its final weekend and has a fresh set of vendors ready to dish up grub for tiring shoppers or those looking to start the evening with a bang.

I was personally keen to check out what event-only team, Fire & Salt, were producing from their smoker. However, the boutique menu is rather limited and doesn't off much more than pulled pork (who knows, it might be different on another day).

My first golden toothpick goes to the team at Piggie Smalls. I've mentioned the vendor a few times on here, having spotted them at B.Eat Street and Glastonbury, but they keep offering something new to bring me back. As well as their staple Amy Swinehouse pork combo, they're serving up the Chilli Con Kanye dog at Manchester Food & Drink Festival. Probably best left to spice lovers, the hot chilli is tempered by extra toppings of crushed nachos, crispy onions and a trail of chipotle mayo.


Elsewhere, Odd Bar has branched out from its Northern Quarter home and brought with it its Festival Burger: two beef patties, double cheese, pulled pork, chilli 'slaw, chillies and good 'ol BBQ sauce. Job done.

There are plenty of more cosmopolitan vendors knocking about, including Tampopo and VietShack, and dessert houses such as Pancake Corner and Churros Susanna, but my highlight for the weekend has to go to The Mac Factory.

The Camden-based boys have made the long trip up north to spoon out the best mac 'n' cheese ever to pass my lips. Mac is so often a bland afterthought on most menus, but 'Fac Mac' have gone all out. Created in front of you in individual portions, it's no ladle and slop approach. I'd recommend the Mambo Italiano which features pancetta, mushroom and a healthy pinch of garlic.

The festival is only around until Sunday, so get yourself down there and prep your internal fat blanket for winter.