Escape to Freight Island has taken the ‘spring clean’ pretty seriously this year, going ‘out with the old and in with the new’ in a big, big way. Its first real overhaul since opening back in 2020, the Depot Mayfield entertainment complex has welcomed in a fresh new roster of food traders, with cult favourite Gooey leading the pack for the sweet treat offerings.
Their third site in Manchester after two years of huge success, Gooey is slinging its delicious NYC-style cookies and doughnuts, with plenty of specials up their sleeves in true Gooey style. There’s also special hot cookie dough exclusive to Escape to Freight Island… So basically, don’t walk – RUN.
Batard has also joined the sweet treat roster, replacing Soft Bois and Choo Choo Eclairs with their unbelievable American-style pies and cakes, served with delicious ice cream.
For the savoury lovers, Salford success Burgerism has opened its first ‘IRL’ kitchen for fans to enjoy, expanding on their successful online delivery service that first opened in 2018. Burgerism replaces Patty Queen with tasty smashed burgers and fries served in seeded brioche buns – with plenty of incredible menu specials including their ‘Cheesed’ burger (which is, naturally, smothered in cheese) and the popular ‘Wholly Double’ – a whopper of a burger packed with beef patties, cheese and turkey bacon.
Taking over the former Baratxuri site, Hawksmoor’s Richard Turner brings the new concept Carnival to the Ticket Hall – where guests can devour dishes such as Premium Rib, Porterhouse and T-Bone steak, Lobster with wild garlic, Smoked Beef short ribs, Crispy Fried Scampi, Potato Gratin and more, while enjoying the unique ambience of the lively venue.
Among the new traders, long-time residents Belzan has returned, too, this time with a brand new concept called Lucky Foot, focussing on deep-fried and charcoal-grilled chicken made fresh using ‘the best chicken’.
The holy grail of Escape to Freight Island’s spring-summer offering, however, is the introduction of their brand new roller rink in the sky – which will replace their winter ice rink up on the mezzanine level from June 1st. The Good Life Skates mezzanine will have its own playful food and drinks offerings for guests to enjoy alongside their skating experience, alongside uber-cool merchandise, too.
To accompany the new food and activity offerings, Escape to Freight Island has also unveiled a jam-packed entertainment schedule – including a free festival series featuring both renowned DJs and local legends, tons of outdoor parties in the sunshine, Sunday Social Club (boasting lobster rolls, Sunday roasts and more!), and fun, ticketed events from The Comedy Store and The Curious Cabaret.
Escape to Freight Island will open Weds-Sunday, and you can keep up with events and opening times here.