Launched in July 2020, Freight Island is a huge outdoor and indoor food, drink and entertainment space in a former freight depot. It’s an ideal place to go for drinks with a group of friends, as there’s a range of bars to choose between, from the Casa Pomelo cocktail bar to craft beers from the Freight Tap Room. Lounge outside in the sunshine in its cobbled courtyard or head to the cavernous Ticket Hall to watch live music, comedy, DJs and more.

Transforming the waste ground that sat neglected next to the old Mayfield train depot across the road from Piccadilly Station, Freight has made itself its own destination – a place to eat, drink, dance, sunbathe, eat again, drink (again) and then wend your way home from its twinkling lights as envious motorists observe from the Mancunian Way. Outside, it’s a sprawling biergarten, in the best European sense, with stepped seating to bask on, secluded booths and shared benches, with the greenhouse-like ‘plant room’ playing host to diners and cocktail sippers when it’s inclement, and ravers when there’s an all-dayer on.

Just five minutes from Manchester’s Piccadilly station is one of the city’s latest examples of urban regeneration: a food hall in the footprint of what was formerly a freight depot, now a vibrant centre for eating and socialising. The space is packed with multi-level terraces, long benches and tables for trying diverse eats from the variety of street food joints, but there are quiet spots dotted around if you’re after a more relaxed date-night. Venture past the live music stage and you’ll find o Mayfield Park, the new green space, which opened in September 2022 as Manchester’s first new city park in 100 years.

Another triumph of an otherwise pretty bad year for the restaurant industry, Escape to Freight Island popped up almost out of nowhere over the summer to take over the old Mayfield Depot space near Piccadilly Station. An outdoor eating and drinking space from the creators of Camden Town Brewery, the regenerated space hosts a whole load of independent food traders, including Voodoo Rays Pizza and Krum doughnuts. Somehow, the team have managed to expand even in 2020 and have just launched their new winter ticket hall, which brings all the magic of the festive season into one place.

Escape To Freight Island continues to host creative outdoor entertainment to go alongside cold drinks and great food from the likes of Madre Tacos and Baratxuri. On Tuesday 8th September, pop down for The Beatles: An Orchestral Rendition - an evening with The Untold Orchestra ft some special guest singers. Having had to cancel the majority of their 2020 shows, the Untold Orchestra say they can’t wait to perform their renditions of Beatles’ classics; including Can’t Buy Me Love, Here Comes the Sun, Got To Get You Into My Life and many more.

Popping seemingly out of nowhere in the Pandemic, this urban landscape carved from a long-forgotten freight depot has everything the sunshine punters could want. A sprawling beer garden fit with heaters and covers, a diverse selection of independent food vendors, and an array of events from drag nights to comedy, Escape to Freight Island has it all. If you haven't already (have you been living under a rock?) then get yourself down to the hottest place in town next time we break 20 degrees, you won't regret it.

Outdoor drinking, dining and entertainment destination Escape to Freight Island has become a new platform for LGBT+ club nights and performances including Homoelectric. Based behind Manchester Piccadilly station on Baring Street, Escape to Freight Island also is right around the block from The Star and Garter, another key filming location for It’s A Sin. Further into town is Albert’s Schloss just off Deansgate, which plays host to regular cabaret, raucous live performances and gospel choirs.

Some of the UK’s finest restaurants and chefs come together under one roof at Escape to Freight Island, a funky market hall brought to life in a disused freight depot. Much like the way Manchester has enjoyed a revival since its industrial past, this cultural space has been repurposed as a cool place to hang, eat, sip, listen to music and catch up with friends. Kebabs, fancy hot dogs, authentic Basque tapas, tacos, pho, burgers and dessert – you will find plenty to fill up on here.

Manchester has an excellent and expanding selection of food halls. Mackie Mayor is a Grade-II listed market house on the cusp of Ancoats, with a wealth of options from Honest Crust’s sourdough pizza to an outstanding flat iron steak and fries from Tender Cow. Enormous Freight Island, in a former freight depot near Piccadilly station, has outdoor and indoor seating, entertainment, and food that ranges from a “Mega Gyros” serving indulgent Greek street food, to Venezuelan cuisine.

Lauded as the capital of football, it would be criminal not to visit one of Manchester’s two world-famous football clubs, Manchester United and Manchester City. Both Premier League teams offer behind-the-scenes tours of their stadiums – Old Trafford and the Etihad Stadium – giving you the chance to walk in the footsteps of greatness. Make your way through the players’ tunnel, have a peek inside the locker rooms and see the history of the clubs brought to life in the museums.

For a fun day out with friends or family, Freight Island in The Depot, Mayfield, offers the perfect blend of delicious food, refreshing drinks, and entertainment. With 11 different food vendors serving everything from mouthwatering burgers to vibrant Mexican dishes, you'll be spoilt for choice. Grab a seat in their spacious indoor or outdoor areas and enjoy the lively atmosphere, or head to one of the five bars for a cold craft beer or tequila cocktail.

Roll up, roll up - we have here something that defies categorisation. A redefined urban landscape hewn out of an abandoned freight depot has become a super-sized home to food stalls, bars, culture spaces, music, films, comedy, circus acts and goodness knows what else. The food outlets are equally idiosyncratic and kinda mean (in a good way) from top Berlin-style doner kebabs to Jalisco-style shrimp tacos and New York pizza pies.

If you’re after a truly immersive dining experience, Escape to Freight Island is the place to be. It’s not just a market; it’s a food revolution that’s packed to the rafters with independent food vendors, live entertainment, and a spirited atmosphere that’s contagious. As the name suggests, it truly feels like an escape: a little foodie island within the urban landscape, where the motto is to eat, drink, and be merry.

Located in Depot Mayfield, near Manchester Piccadilly, this place is a paradise for anyone who loves street food, cocktails and craft beer. The place has an industrial vibe with lots of outdoor seating which makes it perfect during summer months (or anytime you want to enjoy some fresh air). There are more than 15 street food stalls located inside, with a wide range of cuisine from all over the world.

If you’re looking for the best places to get food and drink in Manchester and like a unique atmosphere, you’ll definitely want to head to Escape to Freight Island where there’s loads of different vendors all in one place. It’s a long-forgotten freight depot from the city’s industrial past, reimagined as an inspiring food and drink market. It’s intimate, unique and the perfect place for escapism.

A world-first, purpose-built, socially-distanced venue, Freight Island was one of the most popular hang out spots last summer. Its outside space will be back open seven days a week from April 12, with availability disappearing fast already. You'll find it at Depot Mayfield, which has previously been home to the VIP Village at Manchester Pride Live and to street food enterprise Grub.

He’s now set up shop in Escape to Freight Island, which is Manchester’s glitzy take on street food and not Kurt Russell’s latest film. The high ceilinged, bare brick complex is next door to the ravey Warehouse Project and comes complete with huge LCD screens, loud music, and inhumane eating conditions on this chilly Friday evening. Someone warned me to take a coat there.

First on the list is one of Manchester’s latest additions to the city Escape to Freight Island. Located at Mayfield Depot, this unique outside space is described to be ‘a place we can escape, just when we need it most’. What makes this beer garden different is that it has a selection of bars where you and your friends can order anything from craft ales to cocktails.

Freight Island, Mayfield Depot, 11 Baring St, Manchester, M1 2PY - Visit now. Kantina Thursday is a new weekly supper club at Freight Island, launching on June 5, 2025, that spotlights bold UK culinary talents through rotating chef residencies. Each Thursday, a £25 prix fixe menu is served communally on The Platform, with a new collaboration announced monthly.

Built in an old depot, Escape to Freight Island is set to be one of Manchester’s biggest hotspots this summer. Designed with social distancing in mind, their outdoor area and food market is opening seven days a week for cocktails, craft beers and a whole load of street food vendors, serving everything from brunch to burgers. Tables are going quickly so book now.

Freight Island has gone from strength to strength since opening as a social distancing concept on the back of the pandemic. Now we can all socialise in close quarters, the massive indoor-outdoor venue is the place to be for craft beers, cocktails, street food and good vibes. With plenty going on, from crazy bingo to themed brunches, it’s a lively one.

If you fancy your sun with a side of fantastic food, drinks and live music, then look no further. Whether you’re a sun worshipper or a shade babe, Escape to Freight has a variety of outdoor seating, from comfy booths to their garden-themed Glasshouse. Enjoy the rays with a selection of food and booze from Manchester’s finest food and drink outlets.

Since its inception in 2020, Freight Island has easily become one of the most heavily frequented outdoor bars. Manchester Piccadilly train station or tram stop are just a quick walk away, making it incredibly easy to get to. Its mix of vendors includes street food stands, cocktail joints and beer bars, so every base is covered.

Bringing together restaurant quality street food, imaginative open air bars, secret dens, music, culture, immersive art, festival takeovers and daytime family entertainment, Escape to Freight Island is a unique destination. Children allowed until 9pm and they even welcome dogs too!. https://www.escapetofreightisland.com/

Escape to Freight Island is an urban market and festival space where you can find an assortment of different bars, restaurants and street food along with a retro arcade corridor, a karaoke venue, and most importantly, a 70s New York-inspired roller disco. That’s everything you need for a happy and productive team.

A sizeable venue for food and entertainment, Freight Island is a large food hall Manchester residents keep coming back to. There are indoor and outdoor seats and an eclectic array of food traders. Tuck in to street food and drinks here whilst enjoying events like DJ sets, live music, and fireworks displays.

R&B Lovers - Saturday 28th December - Freight Island Manchester TICKETS SELLING FAST(/e/5s4si7cb/r-b-lovers-saturday-28th-december-freight-island-manchester-tickets-selling-fast "R&B Lovers - Saturday 28th December - Freight Island Manchester TICKETS SELLING FAST")

Located at Depot Mayfield, Escape to Freight Island is a creative social hub with bars, live music, street food and immersive performances. It’s an all-in-one nightlife spot where you can relax, dance, eat, and enjoy a buzzing atmosphere well into the night.

‘Good Food Good Mood’ is the motto of this street food van based at the incredibly popular Escape to Freight Island. Plant Grill specialises in vegan shawarma kebabs, burgers and crispy smashed potatoes with gravy. It’s simple, but it’s perfect.

The Conservatory is our covered patio that can accommodate up to 80 guests. The space is furnished with lush greenery, what creates a calm atmosphere. The seating can be adjusted to your event's needs, so every guest feels

The menu is short and to-the-point, focusing on five kebabs (two of which are shawarmas) all made with premium British produce. (There’s no mystery meats here – these are the same suppliers Carter uses in his restaurant).

I’ve been long awaiting this opening after trying their pop up at Freight Island last summer. Mexican food is definitely in my top favourite foods, and by my books, there just isn’t enough of it in the city.

And it’s all set to kick off at Manchester’s leading destination for food, drink, and entertainment, Freight Island, on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th August. Register for free tickets here.

Freight Island opened in 2020 as part of the massive regeneration project at Depot Mayfield. It is currently closed as it prepares its next expansion phase.

This street food and nightlife venue is chock-full of amazing eats, craft beer and artisan cocktails. Photo by: Adam Pester/Escape to Freight Island

Hello Dezato has officially launched at Freight Island, and we’re serving up the dreamiest East Asian-inspired desserts you’ve ever laid eyes on.

Ramsbottom's pioneering Baratxuri holds court inside the Ticket Hall with their brand new restaurant. They’ll be introducing some new incred ...

Escape to Freight Island (Piccadilly) – this outdoor space with food vendors, bars and live entertainment is the place to be during summer.