Grillstock debuted its own brand of meat, music and mayhem in Albert Square, Manchester this weekend with 7000 visitors attending over the weekend. Food fans settled in to enjoy the sunshine, watch BBQ teams battle it out to become King of the Q and indulge in delicious BBQ creations to a soundtrack of Americana roots, swing, soul and good old rock and roll.
Image by Chris Cooper
Grillstock veterans Crackerjack BBQ led by Andy Annat took the title of King of the Q, winning the chance to compete in the prestigious World Food Championships in Vegas, after 7 competitive rounds judged by local and international foodie experts.
Ben Merrington, Grillstock Co-founder and Judge explained;
“Andy and his team have loads of experience cooking in big BBQ competitions all over the world as well as being involved in Grillstock since the early days. The food they cooked was great all weekend and they always get into the spirit of the competition, which is something we really appreciate. It was a well deserved win after a smokin’ weekend.”
Image by Chris Cooper
On the stage, huge crowds gathered for the Clifton Chilli Club chilli eating competitions to see brave competitors consume chillies that quickly climbed the scovil scale including some of the hottest ones on the planet. Rib and hot wing eating provided the entertainment between a fantastic line up of bands and The Brooklyn Brewery Dive Bar meant beer lovers could try out never before tasted US beers. Swing and jump blues trio Kitty, Daisy and Lewis headlined Saturday night with the whole audience dancing as the sun went down, after stomping sets from local favourites Riot Jazz and rockabilly swing outfit the Congo Faith Healers.
Local bridal parties leaving the Town Hall were treated to a round of applause from festival goers and the appearance of a Grillstock stag dressed as a hotdog.
Image by Chris Cooper
Jon Finch, Grillstock Co-founder explained;
“We were overwhelmed by the reception we got in Manchester for our first year. It’s such a foodie city that the crowds knew how to appreciate the meaty, smoky goodness that our competition entrants and traders specialise in. The place had a great vibe all weekend and Albert Square looked amazing with a gentle haze of woodsmoke drifting around the monuments. We’ll definitely be back next year.”
Image by Chris Cooper
