Since it first opened in the summer of 2020, Freight Island has transformed itself into one the UK’s most exciting urban market and entertainment space and it’s soon reopening its doors once more. Freight Island is set to reopen at Depot Mayfield in Manchester on April 3 with a host of new traders (and some pretty big Manchester names) inside the 55,000-square-feet food hall.
Continuing to champion the independent, the new kitchens at Freight Island will see some much-loved and celebrated traders from the North West and beyond coming to Depot Mayfield. First up is one of Manchester’s most sought-after authentic Italian spots, Ornella’s Kitchen, which will be serving its pasta-deli specials in a new restaurant setting inside Freight Island, offering the comfort of table service with direct booking available.
Across the food hall, new offerings include MOREJOY serving up Shaokao (Chinese BBQ), Gooey bringing in its signature French Toast every weekend, and Hello Dezato by Hello Oriental with their exquisite ice cream and desserts.
Returning kitchens for 2025 will be launching fresh menus in line with the new elevated dining experience including house favourites such as Patterson’s – the famous chicken shop from Liverpool who now has made Manchester its extended home, Mia’s Arepas – the hugely popular Venezuelan cuisine who’s gone viral within Manchester’s football scene and beyond, Burgerism – the undisputed best-loved premium smashed burgers, Voodoo Ray’s with its giant 22” pizza slices, FUKU with its pan-Asian dishes, Greek street food from Mega Gyros, and cheesecake on a stick from Oh My Cheesecake.
Plus, the return of Kantina this season with a series of curated supper clubs featuring collaborations between Freight Island’s traders and guests chefs from across the country. More information on the new Kantina supper club series will be announced soon.
The free to attend festival series Spring/Summer at Freight Island returns with a line up twice as big as any before. This year’s season of the one of the most staple and must-attend events in the city’s calendar will bring more world-class entertainment that’s open to all.
Spring/Summer at Freight Island is set to welcome some of the UK’s revered talents and festivals including the likes of David Rodigan, DJ Paulette, Greg Wilson, Congo Natty, A Love From Outer Space, Optimo (Espacio), Moovin Festival, Crazy P (DJ Set), Wookie, Luke Una’s É Soul Cultura, Rich Reason’s Ghosts of Garage, Huey Morgan, Channel One DJ’s, Sunship (feat Sweet Female Attitude), Donae’O and loads more yet to be announced.
Beyond the renowned Spring/Summer series, Freight Island is also set to support the huge summer of music in the city by hosting various fan events celebrating the huge artists coming to the city this year including Oasis Island, club pop nights with Cherrybomb and Paul Eden’s Mcr Rocks.
One for sports fans, Freight Island is home to the UK’s biggest fanzone with official takeovers and celebrations across major tournaments including the UEFA Women’s Euros 2025 and the Woman’s Rugby World Cup. Open all year round, The Sports Bar a boasts the city’s largest permanent indoor HD screens showing all Premier League fixtures, Champions League, Formula 1 races, and more.
Freight Island will be reopening to the public on Thursday 3rd April. The opening hours are: Thursday (4pm – 11pm), Friday (4pm – 12am), Saturday (12pm – 12am), Sunday (12pm – 10pm). Book a table at Ornella’s Kitchen at Freight Island here.
📍Freight Island, 11 Baring Street, M1 2PZ.