All change as The Ticket Hall opens with an impressive food and booze line up
To say times are tough for hospitality would be an understatement. But one new business that launched this year is already doubling down. It’s tempting to believe that the people behind Escape To Freight Island knew something we didn’t.
We’re excited to welcome yet more visitors to enjoy this distinctive space
When Covid tipped the game board, it quickly became apparent that outside spaces were going to be what would save many hospitality businesses. There was a scramble to adapt, pedestrianising streets in the NQ, pop up kitchens and beer gardens, and takeaway and delivery services galore. Amidst all of this, Freight Island swanned in with its massive outdoor dining area and it’s been a battle to book a table at this backstreet depot destination ever since. It even managed to host live music.
This is not the team’s first rodeo though, with a list of collaborators that reads like a who’s who of Manchester’s movers and shakers (Dan Morris of Cottonopolis etc., Luke ‘Unabomber’ Cowdrey of Volta, Elekrik, The Refuge et al, Gareth Cooper of Festival No.6…) they clearly know how to throw a par-teh.
Then there’s the location, Depot Mayfield, which is part of a £1.4bn regeneration of Manchester’s Mayfield district - one of the UK’s largest urban regeneration projects - with commercial space, new homes and the city centre’s first new public park for 100 years all on the cards.
The first slice of the action, Platform 15, that launched back in July was only the beginning though. Next, and in keeping with the railway theme, comes The Ticket Hall, which will open on Friday 30th October 2020.
Continuing its good work bringing some of the best food and drink vendors in the North West to one communal hub, this new indoor space will host the likes of Sugo Pasta Kitchen, The Jane Eyre and Mi & Pho - all of whom surely need no introduction.
There will be table seating and a first-of-its-kind (for Manchester) bike cloakroom in the fully-heated space which is housed under a striking roof structure.
Joining the aforementioned food and booze titans will be Plant Grill (modern vegan from Dan Hope of Fire Bird Hope and El Boleto (a San Sebastian style deli). The Ticket Hall will also have a wine shop and two tap rooms from North and South: Camden Town and Pomona. So you can, er, get chugging.
Luke Cowdrey commented: “When we launched Platform 15 at Escape to Freight Island this summer, we created one of the most forward-thinking venues of its time, in this country. It’s a place of positivity; somewhere that people can safely meet with their family and friends and experience some of the most beautifully crafted food and drink with world-class entertainment. The Ticket Hall is the next phase in our long and interesting journey developing Escape to Freight Island.”
James Heather, development director at U+I for the Mayfield Partnership, said: “The extraordinary success of Escape to Freight Island this summer has underlined Mayfield’s role as an outstanding location for culture and entertainment. With Freight Island expanding further into Depot Mayfield, we’re excited to welcome yet more visitors to enjoy this distinctive space and contribute to the soulful regeneration of Mayfield.”
Simeon Aldred, of Broadwick Venues added: “I am excited to be working with the Freight team on the continued day one regeneration of Depot Mayfield with the Mayfield partnership. Proving and establishing the space as a place for culture and food.”
The site will continue to operate with its world leading ‘Safe + Social Manifesto’.
Stay alert for news of even more changes afoot over at Platform 15.
