One of Manchester’s best-loved Caribbean street food restaurants is set to open an exciting new site next month.
That’s right – Jerk Junction is coming to Trafford Centre.
If you’re unfamiliar with Jerk Junction, or just haven’t got round to paying it a visit yet, then it’s fair to say the eatery has become an absolute institution over the years, and is now renowned locally for its authentic and flavourful Caribbean cuisine.
Not only is it a community staple in Chorlton, where its original site first opened, but there’s also three other successful Jerk Junction restaurants in MediaCity, Wilmslow, and over in Sheffield.
And now, it’s set to take that success over to one of the UK’s biggest indoor shopping centres, as it was announced last week that Jerk Junction will be opening doors to a new Trafford Centre location in September, and joining other big-name food brands in the centre’s iconic Orient food court.
Although this marks the first time the Caribbean eatery has opened inside a shopping centre setting, the menu will feature signature dishes that fans already know and love.
Jerk chicken, curried goat, and vegetarian options like Ital stew, all served with rice and peas, and prepared with traditional spices and ingredients that have made Jerk Junction so popular, are expected to be on the menu when the new Trafford Centre site opens next month.
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Manchester’s beloved Caribbean eatery Jerk Junction is opening at the Trafford Centre next month / Credit: Jerk Junction
“The Trafford Centre is iconic, especially its food court, but there’s a huge gap for authentic Jamaican food, so we are super proud to be a homegrown brand that can really bring that heat and represent the island,” Jerk Junction’s founder, Jake Shaffi, said ahead of the new restaurant opening.
“Opening at the Trafford Centre is a huge achievement for us, and the fact that we will be positioned next to so many global brands really sets the tone for the levels we are taking Jerk Junction to.
“We cannot wait to reach new customers and continue our mission to make authentic Jamaican food more accessible in the UK.”
Simon Layton, who is the Centre Director at Trafford Centre, added: “Jerk Junction’s incredible Caribbean flavours not only enhances our dining offering to visitors, but also highlights our commitment to supporting local businesses and showcasing homegrown talent.”
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Food & Drink
Bakery chain Gail’s is attempting to win over Prestwich after spelling mishap
Daisy Jackson
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.
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 wrongHuge bakery chain Gail’s confirms move to Prestwich – but spells village’s name wrong in signage
Salon Madre – A new tequila bar and pool hall is opening in Manchester
Daisy Jackson
A new tequila bar and pool hall is set to open in Manchester in a couple of weeks, from the same team behind Madre.
The huge new space, Salon Madre, will be serving up the tacos and burritos that have made the Mexican restaurant at Kampus so well-loved.
And all that’s alongside a drinks menu that centres around tequila, including frozen, classic and flavoured margaritas and palomas.
Can’t stomach tequila? There’ll also be wines on draft, Corona and local beers.
The food menu will show off signature dishes like al pastor tacos, with daily rotating specials, plus Gringas, nachos and Madre’s huge burritos.
Salon Madre has taken over a spot just off Kampus’s lush garden that was previously home to a Seven Brothers taproom, right next door to Madre itself.
Salon Madre is a new Mexican pool hall and tequila bar in Manchester. Credit: The Manc GroupSalon Madre is a new Mexican pool hall and tequila bar in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group
As well as all the Mexican food and drink goodness, the bar will have four pool tables and will be screening Lucha Libre (Mexican wrestling) and American sports.
The dream is to bring the fun and liveliness of a Mexican pool hall to the heart of Manchester, in this beautiful spot right near Piccadilly and Canal Street.
Salon Madre will open on 6 December at Kampus, with bookings for Christmas groups and parties now available.
Emily Sergeant -
5th August 2024 
