12 things we’re excited about at MFDF 2018

The full programme of events has officially been released for Manchester Food and Drink Festival 2018 and there is SO much going on.

By Manchester's Finest | 7 September 2018

Share this story


For full listings, please visit the MFDF Website. In the meantime, you can look at some of our handpicked highlights on the list below…

‘Battle Royale’ Secret Supper Club from Cottonopolis
27th September & 28th September

Cottonopolis and MFDF present… ‘Battle Royale’. This spectacular two-night MFDF supper club to be the Cottonopolis’ most ambitious yet with the Dining Dome transformed by their visual architects into a specially curated dining production of Battle Royale. Based around the Japanese cult film Battle Royale, released in 2000 and a precursor to Hunger Games, it’s billed as ’80 contestants, six courses, one survivor’. Expect head chef Joe Grant’s food to be equally spectacular. Tickets include a glass of prosecco on arrival followed by six courses.

Buy Tickets

 

Live Cookery Demos
29th  September & 6th October

The incredible Dining Dome at the Hub will be the location for two fabulous Saturdays of live cookery demonstrations and masterclasses as the MFDF presents two days devoted to learning from the best and brightest culinary stars in the country like Joudie Kalla, Simon Wood, Mary-Ellen McTague, Julia Goddard and Emma Thackray.

 

Jasmine Hemsley & Trove Supper Club
29th September

Well-being goddess, lifestyle guru, insta-influencer extraordinaire, founder of Hemsley + Hemsley and author of East by West, Jasmine Hemsley, is coming to Manchester Food and Drink Festival for a special collaboration with MFDF and the award-winning artisans of Trove. A match made in heaven, Trove’s focus on making food from scratch by hand and with a central focus on organic ingredients and locally sourced produce will meet Jasmine’s home-cooked and mindful approach to create an Ayurvedic menu inspired by Jasmine’s latest book East by West. Trove’s natural wine collection will be available on the evening too. Each guest will be given a copy of East by West to take home with them.

Buy Tickets

 

Hatch Pop Up Supper Club
4th October

Hatch, the new pop-up food, drink and retail destination on Oxford Road and a selection of its fantastic street food traders past and present will be taking over the Dining Dome for the evening and staging a special Hatch Supper Club. The menu will include courses by indie icons Well Hung Firebird Hope, Wok’s Cluckin and T’arricrii.  Each course will be paired with beers from Öl – Hatch’s on-site nano brewery or natural wines from Love and Labour.

Buy Tickets

 

Caviar & Champagne Tasting with Randall & Aubin
2nd October

Bridge Street’s fabulous Randall and Aubin team up with The Gourmet Caviar House to present a rare gastro opportunity. Guests will be given a glass of Randall & Aubin’s house Champagne and then will have an opportunity to sample a range of the most exquisite caviars around.

Buy Tickets

 

The 11th Big Indie Wine Fest
5th, 6th & 7th October

After a fabulous debut in Manchester Hall’s grand, Grade II listed surrounds last year, Festival favourite, the Big Indie Wine Fest will be returning to the venue for an extra special, bigger-than-ever event with an extra session added for a three-day extravaganza! As ever Manchester’s finest independent wine merchants along with some from further afield will create a heavenly wine experience. Expect a stunning breadth of wines from around the globe from merchants like Commanderie Bordeaux, Cordonniu, Veeno, Iberica, Carrington’s and Off Piste Wines.

Buy Tickets

 

Catalan Wine and Cheese Tasting at Tast
7th October

A journey through Catalonia’s most unique flavours. Tast Cuina Catalana by Chef Paco Pérez will be hosting a Wine and Cheese Tasting accompanied by Catalan Tomato Bread. Their Advanced Sommelier will lead you through a selection of three carefully curated Catalan wines paired with three wonderful Catalan cheeses and their traditional bread with tomato, a secret recipe developed by Executive Chef Paco Pérez in collaboration with Triticum, an artisan bakery from Barcelona.

For more information and to book hola@tastcatala.com

 

MFDF & Albert’s Schloss Present:  The Jay Rayner Quartet 
28th September

As well as being an award-winning writer, journalist and broadcaster, Jay is now a successful recording artist and performer entertaining audiences up and down the land (including at the world-famous Ronnie Scott’s club) with his band. Made up of some of Britain’s best musicians, including Jay’s wife who is an accomplished jazz singer, Jay’s quartet will be performing a repertoire from the great American song book with special attention paid to numbers about food and drink. A special Jay Rayner menu will be served throughout!

This event is free to attend but by booking only – speedy booking is advisable!

 

Spanish Feast by Lunya, Baratxuri, Evuna and Porta
5th October
The city’s spectacular Spanish restaurant scene is celebrated by this extraordinary food fiesta as three of its finest collaborate to showcase the country’s regional cuisines – from Catalunya to Basque country and beyond – Barton Arcade Catalan deli/eaterie Lunya, Ramsbottom’s Basque pintxos experts Baratxuri, Evuna, Spanish wine and food specialists and MFDF award nominees Porta.

Buy Tickets

 

Asha’s Vegan Dinner
27th September

Chef Ashwani and Asha’s executive chef Bobby Geetha have created a unique vegan menu for the Festival. Five courses featuring the freshest, natural flavours, each paired with Seedlip’s alcohol-free cocktails.
Book via www.ashasmanchester.co.uk or ring 0161 832 5309.

 

MFDF Gin Festival at Upper Campfield Market
28th & 29th September

The iconic former Victorian market hall plays host to this sophisticated celebration of Britain’s favourite spirit in collaboration with the Gin Lounge. Three days of sampling from dozens of enticing brands plus entry to gin masterclasses and workshops, hosted by master distillers. Gin brands participating include Bathtub Gin, Arbikie Gin, Brighton Gin, Boutique-y-Gin, Cotswolds Gin, Didsbury Gin, Kukoro Gin, Lakes Distillery, Manchester Gin and Tarsier Spirits.

Buy Tickets

 

Action Against Hunger’s Moveable Feast
Thursday 4th October
Festival partner charity, Action Against Hunger and MFDF bring you the opportunity to access the exclusive private spaces of a range of amazing restaurants and the cuisine of their renowned chefs, all on one special evening of fine food in the name of a great cause.

Diners will be taken on the ultimate food adventure, enjoying a course at each restaurant of a specially designed MFDF menu, with only 15 places at each location food fans are advised to snap up these tickets fast! All money raised will go directly to support Action Against Hunger’s work ending child hunger in over 45 countries around the world.

Buy Tickets