Stockport

Stockport Food and Drink Festival set for September

The 3-day event will take place across Stockport town centre from September 3-5.

The Manc The Manc - 12th August 2021

30 food and drink stalls will be popping up across Stockport during the first weekend of September as the town hosts a sprawling Food & Drink Festival featuring cuisine from around the world.

Running over three days from Friday to Sunday (3-5 September), the event will feature dozens of vendors and a variety of entertainment.

Two outdoor kitchens are being set up on stage in Mersey Square and Market Place for the occasion – with chefs Aldo Zilli and Jean Christophe Novelli performing cooking demos, with a food and science demonstration led by the BBC’s Stefan Gates.

Entertainer Mr Bloom will be performing at Stockport Plaza, with pop-up entertainment at the Peel Centre and activities including a beach and a Fruit Trail in Merseyway.

Alongside the eateries, bars, market traders and independent business in Market Place, a variety of independent businesses specialising in local food, drinks, arts and crafts will also be starring at the festival.

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Robinsons Shire Horses will also be making an appearance at The Baker’s Vaults and the Red Bull.

Councillor David Meller, Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration at Stockport Council, said: “I’m delighted that we can welcome the Food and Drink Festival back to the town centre to showcase our flourishing food and drink offer, which clearly shows real confidence in Stockport and our ambitious plans for the future.

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“Events like this are key in attracting more visitors to Stockport and give a real boost to the local economy. So whether you’re a seasoned foodie or want to bring the family along for a free day out, there’s loads going on to tickle your taste buds.

“Our local businesses have really struggled due to the impact of COVID, so what better way to show your support!”

Visit the Totally Stockport website to find out more and read the festival schedule.  

Featured image: Stockport Food & Drink Festival

Stockport

Stockport County greenlit for brand new ‘County Courtyard’ fan zone

Danny Jones Danny Jones New County fan zone

Stockport Council has greenlit Stockport County for a brand new fan zone as part of their redevelopment plans for Edgeley Park.

The council-approved plans were confirmed on Monday, 28 November, detailing the exciting new fan zone which aims to ease congestion around the stadium and surrounding areas in Edgeley as match attendance numbers continue to go from strength to strength.

County currently sit 14th in League Two after having returned football league this year following an 11-year-stint outside the EFL by lifting the National League trophy last season.

As a result, matchday ticket sales have been on the rise in the Greater Manchester borough, as have the number of away fans who travel to the games, meaning expansion only makes sense.

Now, the Hatters’ dedicated new fan zone, dubbed the ‘County Courtyard’, will be able to cater for up to 1,500 fans thanks to three shipping containers and a large stretch tent providing cover to shelter supporters from the Northern weather.

As per the announcement, the club also say they’ll be providing additional seating for fans to enjoy pre-match some grub and pints along and one of the containers will house additional accessible toilets and baby-changing facilities.

Dishing up a host of fan favourites’ including craft beers, award-winning pies from the Great North Pie Co., as well as various street food from around the world, the new food court will create the perfect place to take in the pre and post-match atmosphere whilst reducing footfall around the ground at peak times.

Furthermore, the County Courtyard is projected to create at least 20 new jobs alone, with a host of vacancies available including bar staff, stewards and chefs. Who knows how many jobs the stadium redevelopment as a whole will generate?

Stockport County reveal plans to ‘expand and improve’ Edgeley Park

The council has given the thumbs up to start work on the fan zone immediately, with the end product expected to be complete before the end of the year. You love to see it.

The club is urging anyone with interest in the various roles to apply via email ([email protected]).

Read more:

CEO Jonathan Vaughan said: “We’re delighted Stockport Council has approved plans for the County Fan Zone, we know that creating a fantastic matchday experience goes beyond what happens on the pitch and we need to do everything we can to welcome fans into Edgeley Park and keep them coming back.

“This planning approval allows further investment into the ground which not only adds to the fan experience but brings new jobs and helps drive Stockport County’s progress on the pitch.”

Work on the rest of the Hatters’ home starts next summer with the expansion of the Railway End.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Image — Stockport County

Stockport

This family-run Greek restaurant has just been named the best in England

Georgina Pellant Georgina Pellant

A Manchester restaurant that’s been a fixture in the city for over fifteen years has just been named the best in England at a national awards ceremony.

Family-run eatery Rozafa was awarded the gong earlier this month, with owner Al Rozafa heading down to Birmingham to accept the prize alongside celebrity pals Gary Lucy, Ryan Thomas and Matt Peacock.

For those in the know, the restaurant has long been an absolute must if you want a great Mediterranean scran – but now, its achieved national recognition, leaving its owner feeling absolutely over the moon.

He told The Manc: “It feels unbelievable. I want to thank the Rozafa Team and our customers for helping us achieve these awards.”

With two restaurants in Greater Manchester, diners can find Rozafa on Princess Street in the city centre and in Stockport at its original home in Petersgate.

Image: The Manc Eats
Image: The Manc Eats

The award was given as part of the annual Englands Business Awards, with Rozafa invited to attend the Grand Final ceremony in Birmingham after winning the Best Restaurant title in Manchester and the North West.

Serving up huge mezze platters, stuffed vine leaves and whole shanks of lamb stifado, cooked slowly for hours until the meat just falls off the bone, Rozafa has been a go-to for foodies in the know for well over a decade,

The menu here is extensive, covering both Greek and Cypriot dishes with a host of colourful, heart-healthy options.

If you’re planning a visit, you can expect to find everything from mincemeat stuffed vine leaves and homemade keftedakia (meatballs), to charcoal-grilled Cypriot pork with melted halloumi and several different styles of saganaki.

Image: The Manc Eats
Image: The Manc Eats

Read more: Rozafa: the family-run Greek Cypriot restaurant that’s been a fixture for 15+ years

Elsewhere, you’ll find the likes of grilled sardines and octopus on its fish menu, alongside some hearty favourites like moussaka and souvlaki.

There’s so much on offer you’re definitely spoilt for choice. One visit probably just isn’t enough, if we’re being honest. Expect to leave incredibly full, to say the least.

To find out more and book, you can visit Rozafa’s website here.

Feature image – Supplied

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