One of Manchester’s best-loved independent cafes has been ordered to close its popular takeaway coffee cart in Prestwich by the council.
Federal Cafe Bar – known for bringing “Antipodean happiness to Manchester” – has developed a loyal following of customers since opening its first city centre branch in the Northern Quarter in 2014 and its second site on Deansgate in 2019, but due to several lockdowns and ongoing restrictions amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, both sites have been restricted to takeaway-only services.
So, in an attempt to boost trade and bring some staff back from furlough, owner Claudio Ribeiro decided to open a coffee cart in Altrincham Market back in January – and it proved to be a massive hit.
Acting on the popularity of the Altrincham endeavour, Mr Ribero said he wanted to the do the same in his hometown of Prestwich to try and “bring something different” to the area, so he struck a deal with brewers to set up outside local pub The White Horse two weeks ago.
In the two days the cart was there, it went down a treat with locals and walkers alike.
But sadly, Bury Council has since ordered Federal to move on as it says the the coffee cart was operating in a ‘legally prohibited trading zone’, which covers the area between Bury New Road, Fairfax Road and Rectory Lane in Prestwich town centre.
Speaking to the MEN on the short-lived success of the Prestwich cart, Claudio Ribiero said: “The two days we were there, we did really well.
“We sold about 200 coffees each day.
“I was on private land, so I thought it would be fine if I paid a little bit to the pub [but] obviously that was incorrect and I needed to apply for a licence.”
Although Mr Ribero has admitted that he “should have checked” with the council first, he believes they could have done more to work with him and claims that when he asked whether he could apply for a licence to trade in the area, he was told not to bother by council officials.
He also suspects another business may have complained to the council about the coffee cart too.
“It’s a shame because I would like to go back there,” Mr Ribeiro continued.
“I’m not trying to interfere with anybody else, we are just trying to get back to normal and trade in some way [and] I live in Prestwich and pay my council tax to Bury Council.
“We should have checked, but the council could also have tried to understand that things are a little difficult right now.
“If the [Manchester City Council] had the same view, we would never have been able to open last summer [so] why can’t Bury Council do something like that and allow [Prestwich town centre] to be a little more alive?
“I think they need to be a little more open-minded.”
Federal Cafe Bar
In response to Mr Ribero’s comments, a spokesperson for Bury Council said: “We have every sympathy for businesses who have suffered during the coronavirus lockdowns, and will do everything we can to help them through these difficult times.
“This person, however, had unknowingly set up in a legally prohibited trading zone.
“This has covered the central shopping district of Prestwich village since 1997, and is there to protect the interests of local businesses. He can, though, trade outside this zone, as long as he applies for a street trading permit, which would also allow our environmental health officers to ensure that his premises (van) meet food safety standards.
“We have sent him the relevant application forms and have been assisting him with the process.”
Food & Drink
There’s a ‘not snobby’ cheese tasting evening coming to Manchester this autumn
Thomas Melia
An evening dedicated to celebrating all things cheese is coming to a Manchester city centre pub this autumn.
Leeds-based cheese company Homage2Fromage launched its cheese-focused company back in 2011 as a monthly service highlighting all the delicious dairy offerings.
Since this, Homage2Fromage has gone on to host incredible events and activities, including an all-you-can-eat cheese festival right here in Manchester back in 2023.
Now, the cheese fanatics return with a brand-new event titled ‘Extreme Cheese’, where it’s bringing lots of creamy and crumbly varieties to local Manchester city centre pub, The Wayfarer.
You can expect to sample eight dairy delights, with some expected to be ‘very strong’, as the company adds ‘fromage not for the faint-hearted’, so if you like your cheese strong, then this one’s for you.
Homage2Fromage host cheese tasting experiences across the country including Manchester / Credit: Supplied
This cheese provider offers tasting experiences up and down the country, including prime spots in the north like Halifax, Harrogate, Leeds, and Sheffield.
The newest cheese-inspired event is set to be no different, with an itinerary packed regarding all things cheese.
You can grab a drink on arrival, and as soon as you hear ‘CHEESE’ the tasting begins, followed by scoring and, most importantly, an informative chat where you learn all about this dreamy delicacy.
For those who are cheese aficionados, the company even lets you host your own cheese event and provides everything you could ever need – including that golden flavour-packed good stuff.
If you’d rather put your hosting skills to one side though, and just simply tuck into some of the best cheddar varieties there is, then you can do just that at this upcoming cheese testing evening this autumn.
Homage2Fromage is bringing an exclusive cheese tasting evening, ‘Extreme Cheese’, to Manchester city centre at The Wayfarer on 24 September, and you can find tickets HERE.
Featured Images – Publicity Pictures (via Supplied)
Food & Drink
Cult Manchester food brand Brewski to launch new BBQ concept at MediaCity
Emily Sergeant
The creators of Manchester’s viral restaurants Brewski, American Pies, and Foldies are set to launch another new exciting concept.
Spanning 5,235 sq. ft and inspired by Brewski’s ongoing culinary tour of the US, the new concept at Quayside MediaCity will be called BIG TRAY BBQ and will be setting up shop at the bustling new food hall Kargo MKT this autumn, adding another exciting offering to the destination’s lineup of tasty food brands.
BIG TRAY BBQ is set to bring a counter-service smokehouse to Quayside, serving up BBQ by weight, alongside homemade sides and standout sauces, with inspiration from across the 52 states of the US and cutting-edge smoked meats and flavours.
With ‘smoke and spice’ set to be at the heart of the new concept, foodies can expect Brewski’s famous crowd-pleasing portions – but this time, with a twist.
New dishes to look forward to include 16-hour brisket, hot honey jalapeño cornbread, loaded trays of jerk chicken sausage, and smoked birria lamb shanks and ribs – with counter-side carving to give a true authentic experience.
“We’re delighted to be launching our latest concept BIG TRAY BBQ at Quayside later this year,” commented James Daly and Steven Stockton-King, who are the co-founders of Brewski.
“As a Manchester-based brand, it was important that our next chapter stayed true to our roots. We’re excited to bring something completely new to Quayside’s growing food scene and be part of what’s to come at the destination for the local community.”
Ben Hey, who is the Asset Director at Quayside, added: “We’re excited to welcome one of Manchester’s most loved food brands to Quayside.
“Their decision to open their new concept here is a real testament to the growth of the area and our exciting plans for the future. We know they’re going to bring something completely unique to our visitors, and we can’t wait to see the new concept thrive here at Quayside”.
Read more:
There is no confirmed opening date for BIG TRAY BBQ just yet, but what we do know is that it’ll be opening in the autumn, so keep your eyes peeled.
Emily Sergeant -
9th March 2021 
