Eats

Ornella’s Kitchen, Gooey and Hello Oriental to move into Freight Island

Daisy Jackson - 25th February 2025

Freight Island has just announced some massive new arrivals and its biggest-ever spring-summer programme – including the arrival of Ornella’s Kitchen.

Joining Ornella’s Kitchen – a tiny Tameside restaurant which is consistently booked up MONTHS in advance – will be equally massive local names like Gooey and Hello Oriental.

The landmark street food and entertainment venue turns five this year, and is announcing new kitchens, a refreshed dining service, a new look, and a free to attend festival programme.

Set to reopen on Thursday 3 April, this next iteration of Freight Island will include new kitchens for some of Manchester’s best-known and best-loved operators.

Up first will be Ornella’s Little Kitchen – an announcement they already teased last week – where this in-demand Italian restaurant will be serving its pasta-deli specials in a new restaurant setting inside Freight Island. You’ll be able to book a table for Ornella’s Little Kitchen HERE.

Also opening next month will be a Chinese BBQ spot from MOREJOY, huge French toast brunches from Gooey, and ice cream and desserts from Hello Oriental as they launch Hello Dezato.

Of course, Freight Island will have its returning resident kitchens too with fresh new menus, like chicken shop Patterson’s, Venezuelan food from Mia’s Arepas, smash burgers from the legendary Burgerism, giant pizza slices from Voodoo Ray’s, pan-Asian dishes from FUKU, Greek street food from Mega Gyros, and cheesecake on a stick from Oh My Cheesecake.

Kantina will be back with curated supper clubs between Freight Island traders and guest chefs from across the country.

Beyond the food and drink offering, Freight Island will have a packed programme of a spring-summer festival programme, featuring Moovin Festival, Wookie, Greg Wilson, Optimo (Espacio), David Rodigan, Luke Una’s É Soul Cultura, DJ Paulette, Congo Natty, Crazy P (DJ Set), Fat Tony and loads more.

And there’ll be official takeovers and celebrations in the UK’s biggest dedicated sports fanzone, including UEFA Women’s Euros 2025 and the Woman’s Rugby World Cup.

On joining Freight Island, Jamie at Ornella’s Kitchen, commented: “We’re incredibly excited to bring Ornella’s Little Kitchen to Freight Island and be part of such a dynamic food and entertainment space.

“Our pasta-deli specials have found a loyal following in Manchester, and we can’t wait to share our authentic Italian flavours in this new setting.”

Dan Morris, Managing Director at Freight Island, said: “Freight Island was always imagined as a place for innovation and pushing boundaries and this year’s update is about taking us closer to that original vision.

“With the incredible new food, a refreshed dining experience and our biggest Spring/Summer festival line-up yet, we’re set for an unforgettable season.”

To find out more about what’s on and check Freight Island’s full calendar, visit www.escapetofreightisland.com/entertainment.

Freight Island is re-opening on Thursday 3 April, and will be open Thursday to Sunday.