MFDF announce 'Come As You Are' - a unique DJ/dining event

More details have emerged from the organisers of this year’s Manchester Food and Drink Festival, who have been planning an extra special series of events to celebrate their 20th anniversary.

On Thursday 5th October, bistro entrepreneur Gary Usher will collaborate with DJ duo-turned-restaurateurs, Justin Crawford and Luke Cowdrey, at the Mayfield Depot, for a one-off banquet and dancing event.

Justin and Luke are the team behind the independent award-winning Volta in West Didsbury and The Refuge in Manchester, while Gary Usher is responsible for Hispi in Didsbury, Sticky Walnut in Chester and Burnt Truffle in Heswall - all three of which were recently voted in the UK's Top 100 restaurants.

On the night, Gary and Hispi head chef, Richard Sharples, will cook up a special 'tear and share’ menu, featuring gin-cured sea trout with apple, kohlrabi, fennel and crème fraiche; whole chargrilled leg of lamb with potato and chive salad chargrilled cauliflower; rounded off by 'cratedigger' ice cream with hazelnut granola and dark chocolate pavé.

Hispi Hrrichard Sharples
Hispi head chef Richard Sharples will join Usher on the pans

Luke and Justin, aka the Unabombers, will DJ throughout the banquet, with the evening culminating in a typically lively set from the duo. They will also be providing some signature Refuge cocktails. 

Phil Jones, Festival Director, said: “This amazing collaboration is going to be one of the highlights of the Festival. It’s bringing together some of the biggest, creative and most successful names in the industry to produce what can only be labelled as a swaggering, staggering, musical feast.

"We’re passionate about bringing new and innovative ideas to the food and drink scene in Manchester and this fits the bill perfectly. The menu is outstanding and the Unabombers will be adding a fantastic DJ set to the whole affair. It’s certainly going to be a night to remember.”

Come As You Are, Thursday 5th October 7.30pm, Mayfield Depot. Tickets are priced at £55 and are available here.

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The banquet will be followed by a DJ set at Mayfield Depot Jody Hartley