Eats

Popular outdoor dining event returns to MediaCity waterfront this summer

Foodies can expect a menu packed with bold new flavours.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 9th May 2025

Greater Manchester’s popular outdoor dining concept is back again this summer, and there’s a proper tasty lineup of traders.

Kargo on the Docks, which is MediaCity‘s al fresco dining pop-up, has taken over the waterfront and gardens once again with a fresh wave of local food traders and stunning artwork by Salford-based creatives, all as the sun shines down on Salford Quays this summer.

A handful of Greater Manchester‘s most popular independents have set themselves up Quayside inside those signature re-imagined shipping containers.

Foodies can expect a menu packed with bold new flavours including Caribbean, Lebanese, Mexican, Ethiopian, and Pan-Asian dishes.

Loads of local indie food vendors have taken over the Salford Quays waterfront for the summer / Credit: Supplied

Afro Shack – the sister brand to Kargo.MKT favourite House of Habesha – will be serving fusion food combining East African flavours with indulgent American fast food, while new kids on the block Wok Bros will deliver sizzling, wok-tossed Pan-Asian street food and 100% halal dishes inspired by authentic flavours and fresh ingredients.

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Iconic Jamaican dishes will also be on offer from Sunrise Caribbean, while Quiero Tacos will bring slow-cooked Birria tacos, cheesy quesadillas, and vibrant rice bowls packed with the spirit of Mexico.

Last but not least, Mediterranean food lovers can expect juicy lamb koftas, golden halloumi, and richly spiced chicken shawarma from Habibs.

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Foodies can expect a menu packed with bold new flavours / Credit: Mark Waugh (via Supplied)

As well as the tasty food on offer, as mentioned, Kargo on the Docks also features a range of artwork and installations from local independent talent – with each container adorned with murals from creatives including Fernandes Makes, Kelly Ma, and Caroline Daly, bringing a feel-good summer vibe to the MediaCity Gardens.

Visitors can also enjoy an art trail display through the gardens, featuring structures designed by, A Studio Called Jane, Luke Passey, and Tasha Whittle.

There will also be a range of pop-up events hosted at the venue throughout the summer, with more announcements to be made very soon, so keep your eyes peeled.

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Kargo on the Docks is now back at MediaCity from today (9 May) and will be open Tuesday to Sunday from 12pm-9pm throughout the summer.

Featured Image – Mark Waugh (via Supplied)

Eats

15 places kids can eat for £1 or FREE throughout the summer holidays

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

With the summer holidays just around the corner, we’ve rounded up 15 places kids can eat for £1 or free across the UK.

In case the ongoing heatwave didn’t remind you, summer is in full swing, and that means the inevitable school holidays are nearly here.

If you’re after ways to enjoy some quality family time without having to break the bank, we’ve found lots of places where kids can eat for £1 or free – 15 of them, to be exact.

So, whether you’re in the mood for a hearty Italian, a bit of brekkie, or even a big Greek feast, just because you’re on a budget shouldn’t mean you have to limit your and your family’s taste buds.

Here are 15 places you can take the kids to eat for £1 or even free this summer holidays.

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15 places kids eat for £1 or free throughout the summer holidays

Asda Café

Any child aged 16 or under can eat for £1 when dining at any Asda Café location, and every meal comes with a piece of fruit. There’s no minimum spend required and this deal is running all-day, seven days a week.

Bill’s

Brunch spot Bill’s is offering two free kids’ meals to any child aged 10 or younger when purchasing an adult main meal (breakfast, lunch or dinner). This free meal includes a main, side and dessert, but is only applicable Monday to Friday. They’ve even got a special deal built for teenagers, too.

Turtle Bay

This Caribbean-inspired chain entitles one free kids’ meal per each adult, who spends £15 or more and presents a code via its app. Children paying a visit to Turtle Bay, who are 10 and under, will receive a kids’ meal and small soft drink.

The Real Greek

Every Sunday, The Real Greek is offering one free kids’ meal for each adult that spends £15 or more on any menu items. This deal will be automatically applied to the bill with the child getting to choose between a souvlaki wrap or mezze selection.

Beefeater

Two children under 16 are entitled to a free breakfast with any adult who purhcases an unlimited cooked breakfast for £10.99. There’s no specific end date for this one, and it applies to Premier Inn hotels as well as further Whitbread restaurants: Table Table, Whitbread Inns, Bar + Block, and Brewers Fayre.

There are lots of locations offering kids eat free or for £1 promotions across the UK / Credit: Tesco (Supplied)
There are lots of locations offering kids eat free or for £1 across the UK / Credit: Tesco (Supplied)

Bella Italia

Any adult dining at a Bella Italia location who purchases a main meal can get a free starter, main, dessert and juice for their child. Kids eat free all-year-long between Sunday to Thursday. This offer will be automatically applied to the bill. Subject to venue.

Morrisons Café

At Morrisons Café locations, when an adult spends £5 or more on a main meal, little ones can get a free hot meal including a main, side and veg or pick ‘n’ mix meal which contains a sandwich, snack and drink.

Tesco Café

Running in over 330 participating Tesco Café sites, kids are allowed a free hot meal, breakfast or pick ‘n’ mix meal when purchased alongside a full price adult meal. A valid Tesco Clubcard must be scanned, with this offer working on weekends too. The supermarket is also bringing back free fruit in 800 Tesco stores.

Sizzling Pubs

When visiting with a Sizzling Pub on a Monday after 12pm, children can eat for £1 alongside any adult buying a main meal. This discount will be automatically applied and will work at all their restaurants.

Travelodge

If an adult purchases an unlimited breakfast for £9.99, two kids aged 15 or under can eat for £1. This deal is running for anyone, and you don’t even have to be staying over at one of their hotels – you can simply walk in.

Dunelm Pausa Café

A child can eat free with every £4 spent by an adult at Dunelm Pausa Café. The deal guarantees kids a main, two snacks and a drink. If an adult spends £8, two kids could eat for free and so on.

Brewers Fayre

Just like Beefeater and other Whitbread restaurant brands, two children under 16 can get a free breakfast when an adult purchases an unlimited cooked breakfast for £10.99.

Table Table

As mentioned above, two children aged under 16 are entitled to a free breakfast when dining with a paying adult who buys an unlimited cooked breakfast for £10.99.

Dobbies

When an adult purchases a main meal of £8.75 or more, kids can dine-in for 88p. The offer applies to the children’s breakfast and lunch menu with the option of hot food or a pick and mix box, both including a drink. Only applicable in Dobbies; the offer isn’t valid in ‘Little Dobbies’ stores.

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IKEA

Although there isn’t an official offer, Swedish furniture chain IKEA is recognised for its affordable menu serving up delicious dishes like pasta and tomato sauce for children from 85p. The adults’ menu is pretty reasonable too, with a mixed vegetable rice meal for just £2.50. Breakfast rolls are £1.75, and individual breakfast items start from 75p.

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Featured Images – Press Shots (Tesco, Bill’s, IKEA via supplied)

Eats

Viral internet sensation SpudBros to launch pop-up at Trafford Centre this summer

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant SpudBros

Viral internet sensation SpudBros are popping up at the Trafford Centre this summer.

The UK’s most-followed jacket potato creators, SpudBros – also known as Jacob and Harley Nelson – will officially launch their hotly anticipated summer pop-up the iconic retail destination next week as part of Trafford Centre‘s annual summer fair.

Shoppers can get ready for freshly prepared, fully loaded jacket potatoes served up in minutes, all without compromising on quality, flavour, or portion size.

You can pick from fan favourites like the Tram Classic, which is loaded with garlic butter, the signature three-cheese mix, beans, crispy onions, and world-famous ‘tram’ sauce, to the Spudfather topped with chilli con carne, tuna, and coleslaw.

There’s also a range of other flavour-packed options to tuck into, alongside the option to build your own potato, allowing every customer to create their perfect lunch.

Viral internet sensation SpudBros are launching a special pop-up at Trafford Centre this summer / Credit: The Manc Group

“Manchester is by far the most requested location we’ve had since we started sharing our journey online, explained SpudBros co-founder, Jacob Nelson.

“It’s a city that has always seemed to elude us despite the incredible demand, so bringing SpudBros to Trafford Centre feels particularly special.

“Both Harley and I grew up visiting Trafford Centre, so to now be bringing the tram here for a week-long pop-up is a genuine full-circle moment. We’re excited to give people in Manchester a taste of what we do, whether they’ve followed our journey from the beginning or are discovering us for the first time.”

To mark SpudBros’ Trafford Centre debut, some lucky early visitors could be in for a surprise on opening day, as Jacob and Harley have built a reputation for rewarding their community.

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While details of what surprises are in store remain under wraps, fans are encouraged to get down early and join the celebrations.

The new SpudBros pop-up concession will be located outside The Great Hall next week (18-25 July), serving signature loaded potatoes daily from 12–8pm.

Featured Image – Supplied

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