With spring finally on the horizon, a trip to Hatch is becoming more and more tempting for Mancs, us included. With traders popping up all the time, and often moving out into a store of their own in the city and beyond, we’re always happy for news of exciting ventures setting up shop in the beloved Manchester street food complex – and now we have two more to anticipate!
Joining the likes of Miami Ice, Parmogeddon and Herbivorous in the colourful shipping containers will be RIO-MEX, a Brazilian-Mexican eatery from one of Manchester’s most acclaimed chefs, and The Curiosity Shop, a vintage clothing shop run by Age UK Manchester.
The RIO-MEX concept is the brainchild of Great British Menu’s Caroline Martins, who grew up in Brazil and spent some time in Texas, creating a fusion of her most loved cuisines. Think tacos, loaded nachos, churros and salgadinhos (savoury nibbles) – a favourite amongst Brazilians down the pub. The highlight of the menu, though, is the Chilli Con Carne Taco, which takes five hours and the perfect blend of herbs and spices to prepare – perfect for carnivores who prefer a fuss-free eat.
Don’t worry if you’re not of the carnivorous persuasion, though, as RIO-MEX will be offering tonnes of filling options, including deep-fried cod and vegan halloumi. Not only will RIO-MEX be serving all this deliciousness from its menu, but they even shake a good cocktail with their Batida, Brazilian peanut candy with vodka and condensed milk, and the Caipiroska, a traditional Brazilian cocktail made with lime, sugar and vodka.
Caroline Martins, owner of RIO-MEX said: “I fell in love with Hatch back in 2022 when I visited for the first time – the whole vibe was awesome! It’s the home of diversity in Manchester and a place where you can get everything done in one place.
“You can pop in, get your nails done, buy a cool vintage vest, get a cocktail at Miami Ice and have some incredible street food for dinner. And now RIO-MEX is joining; we can’t wait for everyone to try our beautiful Brazilian-Mexican fusion menu.”
Adding to the wonderful array of retail spots at Hatch is The Curiosity Shop. All profits will go to Age UK Manchester and offers an alternative to fast fashion, striving towards elevating the charity shop experience. A wide range of thrifted and upcycled items will be available in store; with the Curiosity gang also keen to host regular workshops demonstrating how to breathe a new lease of life into clothes collecting dust in your wardrobe.
The shop will support Manchester’s older community, with profits going towards providing them a ‘relationship for life’ with Age UK Manchester. The Curiosity Shop will be open Monday to Sunday, 12pm – 6pm.
Ashley Carter Lawlor from The Curiosity Shop commented: “The Curiosity Shop team are so excited to be joining the Hatch family. We love the idea of independent creatives all working on individual projects in a collective space so it seems like the perfect place for us in Manchester.
“We’re excited to meet all of the fabulous people of Manchester who shop sustainably and care about ethical retail, especially since all purchases will go towards a great cause. See you all soon!”
Find the new traders, along with the fantastic array of those already housed there, at Hatch, Oxford Road, Manchester, M1 7ED.