One of Greater Manchester’s best-loved outdoor dining concepts has returned for 2024, and there’s a proper tasty lineup of traders.
‘Kargo on the Docks’ – which is MediaCity‘s al fresco dining pop-up, in place of the former Box On The Docks – has had itself a bit of a “glow up” and has taken over the waterfront and gardens 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 the region’s most popular independents have set themselves up Quayside inside the concept’s signature re-imagined shipping containers.
For the first time ever, Salford legends Leopard Pie are now serving up their delicious – and trademarked – Honey Butter Rings, alongside authentic Neapolitan pizzas, from their very-own Honey Butter Ring Hut.
Other new food offerings come from the likes of Manchester’s beloved Parmogeddon, and Kargo MKT favourite, ThatZiki.
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Loads of local indie food vendors have taken over the Salford Quays waterfront for the summer / Credit: Supplied
So Famous and Block Steak Shop are some of the other local foodie favourites you can find down on the waterfront this summer.
Over the past few weeks, a collection of talented local artists, including Fernandes Makes, Kelly Ma and Caroline Daly, have returned to MediaCity to adorn the newly-added shipping containers with collaborative artworks and installations, and ultimately, bring a fresh summer vibe to its gardens.
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Not only that, but there’s now also a brand-new art trail display throughout the gardens too, featuring artwork from MikeSian Studio, A Studio Called Jane, Luke Passey, and Tasha Whittle.
MediaCity’s popular outdoor dining concept has had a “glow up” for 2024 / Credit: Mark Waugh (via Supplied)
Speaking following the long-awaited return of the popular outdoor dining event, Matt Bigland, who is the Founder and CEO of Blend Family – the company operating the new-look Kargo on the Docks – commented: “This is an exciting development for us and we’re looking forward to bringing all that Kargo offers to MediaCity in a brand-new format.
“The success of Kargo.MKT and Kargo Go has paved the way for this new venture and we’re pleased to be expanding our incredible line-up of food vendors on offer at MediaCity and Quayside.”
Kargo on the Docks will be open Tuesday to Sunday.
Food will be served from 11.30am-9pm, while the bar operates between 10am-11pm, and there’ll also be a range of pop-up events hosted throughout the summer too, with more announcements set to be made in the coming months, so keep your eyes peeled.
Featured Image – Mark Waugh (via Supplied)
What's On
Peter Kay announces four intimate charity shows in Greater Manchester – but only for these postcodes
Emily Sergeant
Peter Kay has just announced four intimate shows to raise money for a very worthy cause… but you can only get tickets if you live in these particular postcodes.
Comedy legend Peter Kay is set to return home to the Bolton Albert Halls for four very special hometown shows in this summer, marking his first performances at the venue more than two decades.
Taking to the very stage where he recorded the UK’s biggest-selling stand-up DVD, it’s set to be a proper nostalgic homecoming for one of Britain’s most beloved comedians.
The summer shows – which are taking place from 9 – 11 July 2026, even including a matinee performance – this is a rare chance for local fans to be part of something incredibly special, with all funds raised going to Bolton Hospice.
But, there’s a bit of a catch… you’ll only be able to get tickets if you live in Bolton (and some parts of Bury), as it’s strictly limited to BL postcodes.
Peter Kay Live at the Bolton Albert Halls – 2026 Dates
Thursday 9 July (Evening)
Friday 10 July (Evening)
Saturday 11 July (Matinee)
Saturday 11 July (Evening)
Tickets officially go on sale Friday 24 April at 10am, and you can get your hands on them here.
Featured Image – Supplied
What's On
You can now have dinner in the actual dressing rooms at Co-op Live
Daisy Jackson
Co-op Live has now launched exclusive backstage dining experiences – which means you could be having dinner inside the very dressing rooms that have hosted music megastars.
These new groundbreaking new Backstage Private Dining experiences feature menus curated by Simon Rimmer.
This will be the first time that the arena’s most exclusive artist areas have been open to guests.
There’ll be 10 selected dates from May 2026, where ticket-holders can eat dinner in dressing rooms that were previously occupied by the likes of Lady Gaga and Bruce Springsteen.
Guests will be able to choose from several packages, from intimate receptions and private three-course dinners inside the dressing rooms, to lavish extras like a Bentley chauffeur-driven arrival, live entertainment, and extended backstage access.
The most premium package will also offer access to Co-op Live’s adidas Originals recording studio.
Proceeds from the Backstage Private Dining will go towards supporting Co-op Live’s official charity partner, the Co-op Foundation, which tackles inequality and supports communities across the UK.
Chef Simon Rimmer commented: “Having worked with Co-op Live for some time, it’s incredibly exciting to now be involved with this unique series of Backstage Private Dining.
“It’s a rare opportunity to further combine the world-class music venue with exceptional food, and I can’t wait to showcase how these experiences can come to life together, creating truly unforgettable evenings for our guests.”
Becci Thomson, Chief Commercial Officer at Co-op Live, said: “From day one, our ambition has been to challenge expectations of what an arena can deliver, and we’re now delighted to introduce a new dimension of premium hospitality at Co-op Live.
“This collaboration unlocks new creative potential within the venue, offering experiences that have not previously been possible. It reflects our commitment to innovation and meaningful impact within the communities we support.”
Designed and delivered in partnership with Taylor Lynn Corporation (TLC), Founder and CEO Liz Taylor said: “Opportunities like this are rare. Co-op Live is a venue built for scale, spectacle and ambition — and that’s exactly how we are approaching these events.
“Whether it’s an intimate milestone celebration or a brand hosting at the highest level, these will be immersive, one-night-only experiences designed to deliver real impact. We are proud to have been chosen to help shape this next chapter, bringing creativity, precision and bold thinking to a space that demands nothing less.”
Emily Sergeant -
3rd July 2024 
