Escape to Freight Island has released the programme for its first event in 2021.
Set to take place over the second May Bank Holiday weekend, the Kantina Weekender will celebrate all things food and drink with a line up of stellar chefs, restaurants and breweries all confirmed to take part.
Part of the second phase of Freight Island’s development, the Ticket Hall opened just days before the second national lockdown came into force at the start of November.
The cavernous interior of the Mayfield Depot had been completely transformed into a drinking and dining space, with a fully heated seating area, and lots of new food and drink vendors.
We didn’t get the chance to fully take advantage of it last time around, so it’s safe to say, we can’t wait to get back there.
A line up of special collaborations is planned for Kantina Weekender.
Mary-Ellen McTague, from The Creameries in Chorlton will pair with Great North Pie Co. Gary Usher from Elite Bistros will partner with low intervention bistro and wine shop, Forever Changes; and Tast and Baratxuri will join grill forces.
Noodle queen Pippy Eats will partner with Northernden Vietnamese restaurant Mi+Pho and taco trader Madre will pair with Michelin-starred chef Brad Carter.
Vegan street food trader Plant Grill will pair with Sam Buckley from the newly awarded ‘green’ Michelin-starred restaurant, Where The Light Gets In. One of only 23 restaurants to be awarded the accolade in the UK and Ireland, the ‘green’ star celebrates sustainable gastronomy practises and recognises the restaurants who are leading the way in sustainability.
Sam Buckley, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to finally be cooking at Escape to Freight Island. It’s an incredible space in the heart of the city and Kantina Weekender will be a great return for food fans across the country.”
Other chefs and restaurants taking part in the event include Simon Mana from Michelin-starred Mana, Stosi Madie from The Parkers Arms, as well as Dishoom and Higher Ground.
For drinks, Pomona Island is teaming up with Northern Monk and Lervig who will be serving their beers, alongside breweries Deya and Camden Town.
Charlie Miller from London wine bar The Laughing Heart and wine specialist Dom the Somm, will join other guest experts which will be announced soon.
There will also be a full programme of live entertainment throughout the weekend, as well as exclusive talks, satellite events and wine tastings.
Freight Island has partnered with charity Eat Well MCR for the event. A collective hospitality professionals and volunteers from all sectors, Eat Well delivers meals to vulnerable people across Great Manchester. A percentage will be included on to all bills with the choice to opt-out.
Dan Morris, managing director of Escape To Freight Island said: “Kantina Weekender is an opportunity to finally come back together and share in the joy of food and drink.
“We are very proud to be able to showcase the talents of the Escape To Freight Island residents whilst they collaborate with some of the UK’s most prestigious chefs, brewers, bartenders and all round hospitality heroes. Manchester’s food and drink scene is a special one and we can’t wait to celebrate it.”
Kantina Weekend is set to take place on 28 to 31 May, 2021.
For the full programme visit: kantinaweekender.com.
