Kool Runnings’ legendary Caribbean food truck is back in Old Trafford
"A lot of people missed us you know, since we come back a lot of people came back, complaining, kept saying 'where were you guys, where were you guys?'"
Now more than ever, we’re starting to get used to the fact that the food businesses we love often come and then go. But in the case of Kool Runnings’ Caribbean food truck, whenever it goes missing there’s always more than a little bit of a panic.
The legendary kitchen-on-wheels has been feeding its community for a quarter of a decade, and if it disappears – as it sometimes does – its loyal regulars start to fret.
Lately, the truck has been missing from its Old Trafford patch. As a result, fans have been left wondering what is going on and whether it might have closed for good, as so many great hospitality businesses seem to be doing at the moment.
Good news, then, that after a short hiatus, it is back: once again parked up in its rightful spot, slinging out its famous fried and jerk chicken, as well as handmade patties, massive dumplings, creamy coleslaw, mac and cheese, and plenty more to the waiting crowds.
Jerk chicken on the grill at Kool Runnings food truck in Old Trafford. / Image: The Manc Eats
Image: The Manc Eats
Owner Aval Saunders has been steadfastly feeding his community what is widely considered to be some of the best Yard food in the north since 1998, cooking late into the night out of his food truck with a little help from his sons.
ADVERTISEMENT
He hates waste and will generally stay open serving until all the food is gone. Making everything from scratch, with fresh patties prepared daily, also means that everything is super fresh – but the days are long, and he works hard.
Queues here are common, especially in the summer when the smell of spiced meat on charcoal billows from the trailer and hungrily winds its way around the neighbourhood.
ADVERTISEMENT
It’s unsurprising, then, that he felt he needed a bit of a break – telling us that he has just returned from spending time abroad recuperating in Jamaica.
“So yeah, we’ve been back home to Jamaica just to have a bit of rest because you know we’re busy we’re very busy,” he told The Manc.
“A lot of people missed us you know, since we come back a lot of people came back, complaining, kept saying ‘where were you guys, where were you guys?’ But we had to take a break because we’re tired innit.”
It’s dark and our pictures don’t really do it justice, but trust us when we say that the food here is worth every bit of hype that it gets.
A fixture in the community for some twenty-five years now, it’s become a longstanding favourite for whole generations.
Aval’s cooking has also amassed some famous fans over the years. Footballers like Sergio Agüero, Andy Cole and Rio Ferdinand, as well as sports personalities Usain Bolt and Tyson Fury are known to be regulars.
ADVERTISEMENT
Even Ainsley Harriot of Ready Steady Cook fame has popped by the truck in the past for a scran, so we understand.
This is the sort of food that you just want to shovel in, no cutlery needed. Packed with flavour, then jerk chicken here is marinaded in a secret rub and then thrown on the grill until it’s blackened with smoke, whilst its accompanying gravy is thick, sweet and peppery with a nice hidden kick.
Thank goodness, then, that the Kool Runnings truck is back where it belongs. With the Longsight shop currently closed for a refurb, we were starting to wonder where to go for our next fix.
Feature image – The Manc Eats
Eats
Drinks prices at Parklife 2023 as thousands party in the sunshine
Daisy Jackson
There are few situations that will fill people in Manchester with as much joy as dancing in the Parklife fields beneath blue skies and sunshine with a cold drink in hand.
And the weather forecast for this weekend has delighted ticket-holders, with temperatures hitting as high as 29 degrees on Saturday.
Parklife attendees are in for an absolute scorcher and are being encouraged to stay hydrated.
Festival-goers are allowed to take in an empty 500ml clear water bottle to refill at water points on site.
But if you’re looking to buy drinks at Parklife, this is what the bar prices are looking like.
You’ll be facing prices of £6 and above for anything alcoholic, while soft drinks start from £2.50.
As well as the main festival bars, there are several bars sponsored by drinks brands, including Jagermeister and Bacardi.
It’s pretty standard pricing (sadly) these days for a huge festival like this. Below is a breakdown of all the drinks prices for Parklife 2023.
Beer and cider
San Miguel – 440ml can – £6.20 Somersby Cider – 440ml can – £6.50
Ready-to-drink cans
Bacardi Mango Mojito – 250ml can – £7.50
Wine
Rose – 375ml half-bottle – £15 White – 375ml half-bottle – £15
Alcohol-free and soft drinks
0% Erdinger can – £6 0% grapefruit paloma – £6 0% Moscow mule – £6 Pepsi Max/7Up Free – £2.50 Red Bull (various flavours) – £3.50 Still water – £2.50
Spirits and mixers
Bacardi Spiced – £10.50 for 50ml doubles, £7 for 25ml singles Bacardi Carta Blanca – £10.50 for 50ml doubles, £7 for 25ml singles Bombay Sapphire – £10.50 for 50ml doubles, £7 for 25ml singles Eristoff Vodka – £10.50 for 50ml doubles, £7 for 25ml singles Jack Daniels – £10.50 for 50ml doubles, £7 for 25ml singles
Cocktails
Vodka and Red Bull – £11.50 for 50ml doubles, £8 for 25ml singles Tropical Rumbull – £11.50 for 50ml doubles, £8 for 25ml singles Watermelon Ginbull – £11.50 for 50ml doubles, £8 for 25ml singles
Shots
Patron Silver Tequila – £9.50 Jagerbomb – £6 each, or four for £20 Jagermeister Cold Brew Coffee – £7 Jagermeister ice cold shot – £6
The Lawn Club closes temporarily after bar brawl at event leaves ‘trail of blood’ on floor
Daisy Jackson
The Lawn Club has been temporarily instructed to close after a fight last weekend left a trail of blood on the floor outside.
The popular Spinningfields sun-trap bar has said that it’s cooperating fully with Greater Manchester Police and Manchester City Council while the incident is investigated.
A report from GMP said that ‘a large group of people’ were fighting at the city centre bar, one of whom reportedly was seen with a gun, which was thankfully not fired.
At 10.25pm on Sunday 4 June, North West Ambulance service reported that a male had been stabbed in the leg but ‘the knife was no longer in his leg and they didn’t know where it was’.
The victim got up and walked away, and has still not been traced.
The incident happened during an event that was organised by a third party promoter.
The Lawn Club provided CCTV footage to officers, which showed two males arguing before a third appeared with a black handgun.
A spokesperson for the venue said: “On Sunday 4th June, an incident occurred at The Lawn Club, the premises operated by Hardman Bars. This was during an event organised by a third party promoter.
The Lawn Club is temporarily closed. Credit:The Manc Group
“As a result of this incident, we have been instructed to close the premises temporarily. We also recognise and fully comply with the request by GMP and Manchester City Council, received at a hearing on 07.06.23, for a temporary suspension of our licence while the incident is investigated and reviewed in full.
“We are cooperating entirely with GMP and Manchester City Council to provide any information they require in relation to the incident.
“We’d like to reassure our customers and the community that this is an isolated incident. But nevertheless, the safety of our team, customers and the community is of the highest importance to us. As such, during this period of closure, we will be actively working with the authorities and relevant parties to review all policies and procedures in place at the premises.”
Georgina Pellant -
7th February 2023 
