Eats

The UK’s first plant-based barbecue drive-thru to open in Manchester

Meatless Farm is taking over Secret City to launch its pioneering plant-based ‘barbe-thru’ concept.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 29th July 2021

The UK’s first ever plant-based barbecue drive-thru is launching in Greater Manchester this summer.

Meat substitute brand Meatless Farm – which aims to improve health through better eating and reduced dependency on intensive farming – is taking over Secret City in Trafford to launch a pioneering plant-based ‘barbe-thru’ concept.

Located at EventCity right next to the Trafford Centre, the M*** F*** Barbe-Thru three-day pop-up is open to pass through or park up – with picnic benches available to enjoy some “banging beats, barbecue eats and bar drinks”.

A menu is also being served from the grill – including a plant-based ‘Katsu Dog’, loaded fries, and so much more. 

The country’s leading meat substitute brand Meatless Farm is taking over Secret City in Trafford next month / Credit: Meatless Farm

Speaking ahead of the launch, Morten Toft Bech – Founder of Meatless Farm – said: “Our M*** F*** Barbe-thru is serving up a double helping of bangers from both the grill and DJ to celebrate the summer and bring people back together after a challenging year.

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“We want to show people they can still fire up and enjoy delicious barbecue foods without meat so it becomes a preference rather than an option.”

The M*** F*** Barbe-Thru is arriving on Monday 9 – Wednesday 11 August, and will be open from midday – 8:30pm.

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The first 50 visitors each day will receive a free barbecue dish, otherwise prices start from just £5.

Meatless Farm is also giving 50% off for those in electric cars, on bicycles, or e-scooters.

The pioneering UK-first plant-based ‘barbe-thru’ concept will take over Secret City / Credit: Meatless Farm

The M** F** Barbe-Thru

  • Monday 9th – Wednesday 11th August
  • 12pm – 8:30pm daily
  • Secret City, Phoenix Way, Trafford Park, Stretford, Manchester, M41 7TB

Featured Image – Secret City / Meatless Farm

Eats

Beloved Manchester Italian restaurant unveils big refurb

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia Beloved Manchester Italian restaurant Italiana Fifty-Five unveils big refurb

Much-loved Italian restaurant Italiana Fifty-Five has just unveiled a beautiful refurbishment at one of its Manchester sites, along with a new menu of fresh, handmade pasta. 

Gone is the famous yellow colour palette of this Italian eatery as they swap in a sophisticated and regal turquoise blue at their Liverpool Road restaurant.

This establishment is known for its impressive shop-window pasta making stations where you can see your food prepared live in-store and while walking past outside the venue.

They’re continuing their foodie legacy serving carby creations, like a flaming cheese wheel pasta where staff blowtorch the cheese to ensure it’s as melty as possible. 

One of the biggest menu highlights at Italiana Fifty-Five is the cappellacci, which comes in two equally gorgeous forms and much like its English translation, emulates tiny hats.

These cute little plates come in two delicious stuffed pairings – the burrata, combined with a tangy tomato and beef filling, and a salmon with cream sauce and fresh lemon for a match made in heaven.

Beloved Manchester Italian restaurant Italiana Fifty-Five unveils big refurb
Beloved Manchester Italian restaurant Italiana Fifty-Five unveils big refurb. Credit: The Manc Group
Inside Italiana Fifty-Five as it unveils a new look on Liverpool Road. Credit: The Manc Group
Inside Italiana Fifty-Five as it unveils a new look on Liverpool Road. Credit: The Manc Group

How can you think of anything more ideal than a table full of hearty and home-comforting meals than one that also features an array of beautiful sides?

Usual delights like the burrata on a bed of rocket, tomato and finished off with a balsamic vinegar glaze are a great addition to your already faultless food.

Cheesy garlic pizza bread is quintessential when dining in an Italian restaurant, and Italiana 55’s lovely flavour-packed favourite is a go-to when ordering here.

The Liverpool Road restaurant also has a tonnata pizza which uses toppings that are an exact ingredient breakdown of the Mediterranean sauce, which it shares its name with.

In photos: Italiana Fifty-Five has undergone a refurb. Credit: The Manc Group

What better way to wolf down some incredible Italian feasts than with some perfectly paired alcoholic offerings like the classic Aperol spritz, trusted espresso martinis and a selection of fine wines.

Their menu is staying as tasty as ever with their delicious pizzas and pastas, with the new fresh pasta menu available at their restaurants on Liverpool Road and in Didsbury. 

Find out more and book a table HERE. 

Read more: This Manchester suburb has just been named one of the UK’s ‘happiest’ places to live in 2024

Featured Image: The Manc Group

Eats

Bakery chain Gail’s is attempting to win over Prestwich after spelling mishap

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Gail's will hand out free tea in Prestwich to apologise for spelling the village's name wrong

Gail’s has announced a plan to try and make amends with Prestwich after spelling the village’s name wrong on the new bakery’s signs.

The massive bakery chain finally confirmed that it would be moving into the suburb on the fringes of Bury and Manchester, but made a fatal flaw at the first step.

Gail’s put big red temporary signs in the windows of the old bank it’s moving in to – and managed to spell Prestwich wrong.

The huge posters are missing the letter ‘T’, instead saying ‘Hello Preswich’.

More than a few eyebrows were raised locally, with people saying it’s ‘not a great first impression for the locals…’.

And now Gail’s is attempting to put things right by offering free tea to Prestwich residents.

In new material released today, they wrote: “Oops… people of Prestwich, we owe you a ‘T’.

“You may have seen how we missed out a ‘t’ in our new bakery signage.

“We’re sorry for the mistake, and to make up for it we’d like to brew you a tea when we open.”

The new advertising has a QR code which people can scan to claim their free cuppa.

Gail’s has also passed its thanks on to ‘local resident Clair’, who actually came up with the suggestion on The Manc’s LinkedIn post here.

With this development, Gail’s has now confirmed it’ll be opening in Prestwich – directly opposite the new Rudy’s – in early 2025, with free tea served then to those who scan the QR code.

Gail's will hand out free tea in Prestwich to apologise for spelling the village's name wrong
Gail’s will hand out free tea in Prestwich to apologise for spelling the village’s name wrong
Huge bakery chain Gail's confirms move to Prestwich - but spells village's name wrong in signage
Huge bakery chain Gail’s confirms move to Prestwich – but spells village’s name wrong in signage

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Featured image: The Manc Group

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