MFDF and the Gin Lounge will transform the iconic Victorian building into a ‘gin-dom’ this September
GIN, most definitely, is in. UK sales hit a record 51m bottles last year, and the number of new distilleries continues to soar. While associated with disrepute in the eighteenth century, the juniper liquor is now one of the trendiest tipples around, and bespoke botanical creations are the preserve of events countrywide.
Manchester Food and Drink Festival’s, however, may be the first in a grade-II listed former Victorian market hall.
The three-day event (28-30 September), organised in collaboration with The Gin Lounge, will take place in Upper Campfield Market Hall - which, along with its lower counterpart, is to eventually be transformed by Allied London into a new food and leisure destination.
For now, the glass and wrought iron edifice remains largely empty - the ideal receptacle for dozens of gin brands including Bathtub Gin, Lakes Gin, Unicorn Tears Gin Liqueur, Whittaker’s London Dry Gin and many more.
Armed with a tasting class, attendees can sip their way around the festival samples and learn the secrets behind their production, as well as try making their own in mixology masterclasses. One (or more) taken your fancy? All will be available in the festival shop, and there’ll be an onsite gin cocktail bar too.
There will be four sessions across the three days (Fri 6-9pm, Sat 12-4pm 5-9pm, Sun 12-4pm), with tickets including entry to the festival, a programme, a commemorative glass, gin samples, gin masterclasses and workshops.
Early bird tickets cost £22.50, or 2 for £40, for the three hour session on Friday, and for the four hour sessions on Saturday and Sunday cost £25, or 2 for £45. Taster Tickets cost £15 and allow access to the festival for two hours - available for the daytime sessions only. Tickets available here.
Manchester Food and Drink Festival takes place 27 September - 8 October 2018. To see the full programme of events, visit www.foodanddrinkfestival.com
