Northern Greats: B.EAT STREET

Even among Manchester’s hugely competitive street food scene, B.EAT STREET stand apart. Initially running the ten-week pop-up food party Friday Food Fight last year, which saw eight vendors pitch up to feed 500 hungry punters each week, their success then snowballed into the sizzling summer series Up In Your Grill.

Announcing in January this year that they’d be joining the Great Northern's ongoing renaissance permanently, taking over a space on the first floor of the warehouse, B.EAT STREET are making their mark thanks to a stance that sees beyond reputation and invites vendors along purely because of the quality of their food. Plus, they've a keen ear, enabling them to team delicious grub with delectable music from some of the best DJs in the city.

The Skinny: It's been quite a journey from the first Friday Food Fights and last summer's Up In Your Grill series to where you are now. What was the initial inspiration behind getting involved in the street food game?

B.EAT STREET: We were inspired by some great events happening in London, Europe and the States. It was a natural progression for us to move up to Manchester from London, and we wanted to get on the front of it.

As you've grown, how has the ethos behind B.EAT STREET changed?

We haven't really changed anything. We’re still a turbo-charged food court, always high tempo and vibrant. We call ourselves a food rave sometimes – and we were called a 'farmers market on acid' once, which we’re not sure how to feel about. Our DJs are drawn from the best nights in the city and we’ll always try to keep things animated and fresh.

We're one of the only street food events who invite food traders along whether they’re startups or existing restaurants. It allows the new guys to learn from some seasoned operators. We've helped start quite a few new businesses, which is very rewarding.

Among the DJs you've booked, who've been the highlights?

There've been so many. Horse Meat Disco were great at Up In Your Grill – once they'd overcome the ladder up to the crow's nest DJ booth...!

What was the thinking behind moving in to the Great Northern Warehouse?

They’re very flexible and innovative in terms of the events they put on. When we were shown the space, with its warehouse feel and high, brick barrelled ceilings, we knew it could work for us. We were looking for somewhere central where we could put on events for a decent amount of time, so it all sort of stacked up.

Manchester's street food scene is thriving at the moment. Why do you think that is?

Food is the new rock and roll, people can't eat a pack of crisps without Instagramming it. Manchester has moved on a lot in the last three to four years, mainly due to innovative independents in the city, who’ve raised the game and caught the attention of the rest of the UK.

What do you have coming up at the Great Northern?

As well as the Friday Food Fight events, we've got a load of interesting stuff coming to the venue. Red Bull Music Academy are bringing Todd Terry, PRhyme and Jazzy Jeff to us in April, and then we've got Cocktails in the City joining us in May; loads more lined up, too.

OK, your time's up: you've been summoned to the great street food party in the sky. What's your last meal?

Haha, not sure. Probably more likely to grab a couple of cocktails and a shot on the way up/down...