Freight Island has announced it will reopen on Saturday 1 April and will welcome 11 new kitchens including some of Manchester’s best independent food traders.
The new traders are:
Choo Choo – The pop-up eclair van will be parking up permanently at Freight to serve coffee and bakes after dropping by there briefly in 2022.
Fry-By – whose NQ hatch dedicated to Amsterdam’s famous crispy chips will be a popular choice for all day drinkers. The brand will be adding a new fried fish menu to the party at Freight.
Ice Cream Hut – This modern ice cream brand will be keeping Manchester cool.
KOKO – Calling itself a ‘unique sushi house’, we have high hopes for KOKO.
Lazy Tony’s Lasagnaria – The former Ancoats pop-up has done stints in Alvarium and Foundation and will finally have a more permanent home for its slabs of lasagne and mozzarella sticks.
Mega Gyros – Manchester loves a gyro at the moment, and this new Greek spot will be serving up things like halloumi pita wraps with tzatziki, salad and fries.
Mia’s Arepas – Originally born in Chinatown, Mia spent a long run at Piccadilly Gardens and will be a welcome addition to Freight with her Venezuelan arepas.
Oh My Cheesecake – Formerly at Hatch, these guys specialise in the dessert you never knew you needed, cheesecake on a stick.
Patel’s Pies – One of Manchester’s best piemakers, Patel’s pies will wrap your favourite Indian dishes up in a buttery nana-style pie crust.
Payal – This Asian and Indian catering brand will bring tandoors and freshly made momos to Freight.
The Smoking Coal – Smoky BBQ brisket, vegetables and merguez sausage are all on the menu at this new BBQ brand.
Many of Freight’s existing bars and kitchens will return, including cocktail queen The Jane Eyre, cheese, charcuterie and wine from Forever Changes, pizza the size of a football pitch from Voodoo Ray’s and TikTok’s favourite smashed patties from Burgerism. The venue has also extended its taproom to serve a range of local and global craft beers and has added a “darts snug”.
In addition to the food and drink, Rare Finds Flea Market will be bringing sustainable shopping via its Late Night Bazaar on the first Thursday of the month and a family friendly daytime market on the last Sunday of the month.
Up on the mezzanine, Freight is bringing in the big screens and will be showing big sporting events including Premier League football, Wimbledon and Formula 1. It will also be showing big TV events like Eurovision. The mezzanine will feature over 20 arcade games to keep you busy.
If you prefer to play sports than watch them, the revamped outdoor terrace will feature a pétanque pitch so you can pretend you’re in Cannes. The venue will also be unveiling a viewing balcony overlooking the adjacent 6.5 acre Mayfield Park.
You no longer need to book a space at Freight Island. With 1,500 seats available, its now walk-in’s only aside from large parties of 10 or more – and once you’ve parked your bum, you can stay as long as you like.
Freight Island opening hours:
Thursday 4pm – 11pm
Friday 4pm – 12am
Saturday 12pm – 12am
Sunday 12pm – 10pm
Freight Island, 11 Baring Street, Manchester M1 2PZ
