As we begin to embark on what’s looking to be a cold, dark Autumn/Winter, our favourite venues are beginning to crack out the fairy lights, bringing the Christmas spirit a little early. And boy, do we need it. Bringing the festive cheer by the bucket load, Freight Island in Manchester will transform into a magical Winter Island once again, with tons of fun things in store for guests to enjoy throughout the winter.
Opening on November 9 and running until Christmas Eve (December 24) the local favourite Depot Mayfield food hall will become one of the city’s biggest winter wonderlands, with a host of festive traders popping up. The city’s favourite chocolatiers Cocoa Cabana will offer build your own hot chocolate with boozy options, plus other chocolate treats and delights.
The Teesside delicacy Parmogeddon be doing what it does best at a new home at Freight Island this Christmas. Plus, an all-new all-cheese concept, Formaggi by Lazy Tony’s will be serving some Italian American toasties, deep fried sides of Burrata in tomato sauce, melted Camembert, Taleggio nuggets as well as garlic and herb oil loaded Roasties with Pizza, Hot Chicken, Pesto, and Poutine toppings.
Over at Smoking Coal German BBQ, the team will be serving Schweinshaxe in a bun, a whole Bratwurst menu and a classic Hog Roast butty. To match, the Freight Island’s tap room will host an exclusive Paulaner bar takeover and every Sunday, the recently launched Seconds carvery will be there with a festive twist.
The feast continues as all of Freight Island’s existing traders will also be up and running as usual – including the premium smashed burgers from Burgerism, giant 22” pizza and slices from Voodoo Ray’s, slab shack from Lazy Tony’s Lasagnaria, award-winning curry in a pie from Patel’s Pies, and tandoori and Indian street food from Payal. Plus, there’s Venezuelan cuisine from Mia’s Arepas, pan-Asian cuisine from FUKU, Mediterranean street food, from Mega Gyros, cheesecake on a stick from Oh My Cheesecake, and fries in a cone from Fry-By.
Freight Island’s Plant Room will be transformed into a captivating Grotto, where it will host a special Visit Santa Experience – an interactive journey for children to visit Father Christmas and his Elves. The 30-minute experience is ticketed at £22.50 per child which include a small Lego gift, a Lindt chocolate and photo opportunity. Tickets are free for accompanying adults.
Over at The Mezz, the area will be transformed into a cosy Alpine Lodge in collaboration with Grey Goose perfect for your Christmas parties. Further festive programming at Winter Island includes Santa Paws dog show, wreath making workshop with Northern Lights, curated entertainment with DJs and live performances.
Taking place underneath the twinkling Manchester stars, the specially decked-out venue is set to be the perfect place to socialise this winter, with tons of fantastic food vendors to try out. Plus, a new addition for the festive season is the launch of The Twilight Trail, an immersive winter light show at Mayfield Park, suitable for all ages and finishes at Freight Island.
Open between November 9 and December 24, bookings for Winter Island in Manchester are open now, and you can snap up a table before they’re gone here.
For Christmas bookings, larger parties, and private hire enquiries, email christmas@freightisland.com. A sit-down Christmas menu is available for large booking of 20 people and more, £35 for a two-course meal and £40 for a three-course meal.
Escape to Freight Island can be found at 11 Baring Street, M1 2PZ. Walk-ins are available day-to-day, however, be sure to book to avoid disappointment.