On the 14th July, I attended the Beat Street Manchester press launch on behalf of Time Out, as one of their Manchester Tastemakers. On arrival at Deansgate Mews, which is the little 'street' Beat 'Street' is based upon (within the Great Northern Complex, near to the AMC and just off Deansgate, bordering The Hilton) we were asked for our names for the guest-list and promptly shown up to the roof terrace. We were met by the lovely Gemma, who quickly ensured our empty hands were filled with free food and drink tokens and free gin and tonics. I had a feeling this would be a good night.
After a quick conversation with Gemma, we were introduced to various reporters and bloggers also covering the event and the Beat Street organisers; Lyndon Higginson and Chris Legh. Chris and Lyndon were warm, friendly and relaxed with no pretentions and came across as just two lads who were good mates doing something they love and having a laugh in the process.
After introductions and general chit chat, Chris began to explain the brainchild that was Beat Street. He told us that they'd purchased the whole street (although only one side is currently complete, work is due to begin on the second half stretching towards the Beetham in the next few months) and that the idea was to create a permanent food and drink destination that was suitable for all the Manchester weather (i.e.; mainly rain with the occasional day of sunshine).
He took us through the street food traders currently leasing the units (Big Grillie Style, Bart's Dog Kart, Bali Beach Hut, Eat New York, Indian Street Canteen, Lekker and Jerk) and explained that him and Lyndon fitted each unit out to a basic standard - extractor fans, counters, kitchen equipment, etc. - and then pretty much gave each street food trader creative license to do with the space what they wished. Many of the traders have only done once or twice weekly markets or festivals previously so Chris explained that this project gave them the opportunity to try out a more permanent and full time venue, without the worries of overheads and the costs associated with kitting your own restaurant out from scratch. A fantastic idea and great concept to support some up and coming traders and give some exciting new operators a chance.
After the spiel, came the tour. Lyndon and Chris led us around the site, showing us all the lovely new bars and street food units. Bar wise, we have three offerings, the Tokyo-themed Lucky Lucky Late Bar, a wine and coffee bar Milk of Burgundy and Czech beer 'pub' Kozel Lokal.
Lucky Lucky Late Bar was a definite favourite of mine, with graffiti adorned walls, maneki-nekos (those little Japanese waving cats) and loads of great Japanese movie posters. I loved the brightly coloured stools and the electric blue and pink painted window frames, the cocktails adorned with sweets and served in the current 'epitome of cool' vessel, the eponymous red plastic cup (see Twenty Twenty Two fame) and the atmosphere in this place. I can definitely see myself returning here; they've hit the nail on the head with this place and I felt comfortable almost immediately.
The Czech beer bar will fall nicely within the new trend for ale bars and brew pubs and the lovely Milk and Burgundy will attract the wine aficionados and the weekend coffee brigade.
Soundtrack to the night begun with the truly fantastic Twisted Tubes giving a new, funky spin to some familiar hits and getting everyone dancing and singing along and ended with some DJ spun tunes, ready to party late into the night.
The food offerings I tasted (a taster size grilled cheese, or "toastie" if you are actually still English) from Big Grillie Style and three slider style bagels from Eat New York (okay so I find something I like and stick to it!) were all delicious and very promising. The grilled cheese wasn't quite up to the heady heights of Northern Soul but they've really set the bar so I don't blame BGS for that. The bagels were pretty fantastic though and I'll definitely get one again. Also keen to try the Bali Beach Hut and Lekker so they are top of my list when I return.
Overall, an excellent evening with top class entertainment, tasty food, plenty of freebies, an informative tour and a promising glimpse of the Beat Street concept. I left drunk, happy and fed (although not full) and most of all, excited to see how things work out for the latest addition to Manchester's burgeoning scene. read more