Northwest Food News - May 2015

May. Ah, spring has finally sprung. At the time of writing, we’re predicted to endure a three-month heatwave, but being the British grumps that we are, by the time we’ve gone to print, we’re probably all far too sweaty to spend any longer in the sun – let’s encourage you back inside so you can try Common’s new menu: the oh-so-hip Manchester bar has had a refurb after ten years of trading, resulting in an oh-so-very-Scandi finish.

The menu is more revamp than revolution: they’ve kept a few classics (burgers, chilli cheese fries, the Reuben), but also introduced a rather virtuous breakfast menu (vanilla ricotta & glazed pears, smashed avo, Turkish eggs) as well as some posher lunchy/dinner bits: KFC (that’s Korean fried chicken, obvz), roast hake with charred cauliflower, and beetroot-cured salmon. 

Over in Liverpool, another city centre stalwart is celebrating a significant birthday: Bold Street Coffee turns five on 9 May and promises beer, bands, coffee (of course) and, er, avocados. They’ll be constructing a gallery of pics for the occasion so if you’ve any memories captured in 2D form send them over to joni@boldstreetcoffee.co.uk.

While we’re Merseyside-way, Crosby restaurant Albina (formerly Albion – damn those pesky copyright lawyers in London!) has been hosting themed dinners, usually on the second Tuesday of the month. Menus tend to be both decadent and unusual, so Hamlet knows what they’ll come up with for The Food of William Shakespeare on 12 May; a pound of flesh perhaps?

If all this excitement in the Northwest can’t fill yer foodie boots, may we recommend a jaunt over to Leeds? From 7-24 May, Leeds Indie Food Festival shows us just how exciting gastronomic events can be: top picks include a lecture on seasonal eating by history professor Iona McCleery (it’s not all stuffing yer gobs!) and a beer tasting with February’s featured beer experts, Cloudwater Brew. The event culminates in Leeds Feast, a beer tent and street food market (it’s outside, I know – don’t worry, we’ll get back inside soon), with lots of Northwest faves trading, including Mumma Schnitzel, Yakumama and Arepa!Arepa!Arepa!

And last but not least, if Leeds is too far and you prefer being inside – so cyclical, we know – don’t forget six Manchester food traders will be moving into Spinningfields on 21 May for  ‘The Kitchens’, a 12-month residency where the 'winner' will receive long-term mentoring and future investment. Boring office lunchtimes be gone!