Freight Island, the sprawling indoor-outdoor venue behind Piccadilly, has announced its Spring/Summer 2025 programme, including one of the most difficult-to-book restaurants in Manchester arriving in the city centre.
Four new food and drink vendors will be joining their already comprehensive dining offering, one of which is foodie favourite Ornella’s Kitchen.
Dubbed Ornella’s Little Kitchen, it’ll be the second location from the Denton-based fresh pasta spot, which – due to its diminutive proportions – is often booked up for months in advance. In fact, bookings are already open for their Freight location, if you want to secure your spot nice and early.
Other new additions include authentic ‘shaokao’ – Chinese BBQ – from MOREJOY, indulgent sweet and savoury stuff from NQ legends Gooey and Hello Dezato, a new offering from Hello Oriental focussing on its soft serve ice creams and desserts.
They’ll be joining established Freight Island favourites like fried chicken maestros Patterson’s, Mia’s Arepas, Burgerism and Voodoo Ray’s pizza. The ever-popular Kantina supper club series will also return with yet-to-be-announced guest chefs and traders.
It’s not just about the food though.
Spring/Summer 2025 will also see a programme of world-class DJs appear at Freight Island, including the likes of David Rodigan, DJ Paulette, Greg Wilson, Congo Natty, A Love From Outer Space, Optimo (Espacio), Moovin Festival, a DJ set from Crazy P, UK garage icon Wookie, Luke Una’s É Soul Cultura, Rich Reason’s Ghosts of Garage, Huey Morgan, Channel One DJs, Sunship (featuring Sweet Female Attitude), Donae’O and more yet to be announced.
Sports fans will be well-provided for too. The Sports Bar will host official takeovers and celebrations across major tournaments including the UEFA Women’s Euros 2025 and the Woman’s Rugby World Cup, as well as Premier League fixtures, Champions League, Formula 1 and more.
On joining the crew at Freight Island, Jamie from Ornella’s Kitchen, said: “We’re incredibly excited to bring Ornella’s Little Kitchen to Freight Island and be part of such a dynamic food and entertainment space. Our pasta-deli specials have found a loyal following in Manchester, and we can’t wait to share our authentic Italian flavours in this new setting.”
Dan Morris, managing director at Freight Island, added: “Freight Island was always imagined as a place for innovation and pushing boundaries and this year’s update is about taking us closer to that original vision.
“With the incredible new food, a refreshed dining experience and our biggest Spring/Summer festival line-up yet, we’re set for an unforgettable season.”
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