Northwest Food News - December 2015

As well as the sweet, sweet delights of Manchester and Liverpool's main markets, there's a whole heap of foodie goodness to enjoy across the Northwest’s smaller-scale Christmas markets. GRUB's Christmas Food Fair is one of them, and promises to keep the focus on fine food and craft ale rather than terrifying Santa figures and ‘Wine O’Clock!’ tote bags. There’s still plenty of fun to be had though, with DJs and live music, gift stalls and Santa’s grotto to get you well and truly in the festive zone. Sadler’s Yard, Manchester, 5 Dec, 12-8pm, free, @grubmcr

Liverpool’s Winter Wonderland is another, and aims to turn the city’s Great Baltic Warehouse into a veritable festive fairy tale. Led by the folks behind Independent Liverpool, the event will host the best food and drink traders the city has to offer, as well as a secret mulled wine garden and luxury food hampers. Keenos can snap up a full weekend ticket but single day entry is available, too. Greenland St, Liverpool, 11-13 Dec, from £8 (tickets via Eventbrite), @IndpndtLiv

December isn’t all about baby Jesus y’know. The 11th marks what would have been Frank Sinatra’s 100th birthday. To celebrate, Liverpool’s Camp & Furnace will be holding one of its legendary Food Slams in honour of Old Blue Eyes himself. Revellers can enjoy the usual street food stalls and hard liquor, while tribute act Perfectly Frank sings the hits. How pleasant. Greenland St, Liverpool, 11 Dec, 6.30pm – 2.30am, free, @campandfurnace

Those looking for the perfect Friendsmas venue should head to Christmas Supper, the latest do from Manchester’s Spice Club. Heralded as one of the UK’s top five supper clubs by the Guardian, Spice Club is hosting a, five-course Indian feast with a Yuletide twist. Snap up tickets early and BYOB. Venue revealed on purchase, 10 Dec, 7.30-10.30pm, £40 + booking fee, spiceclubmanchester.com

This time of year is all about thinking of your fellow man right? So why not think with your stomach too, and help out Manchester’s artisan bakery Trove with their Kickstarter campaign? Anyone who’s made the journey to Levenshulme only to be turned away from its always-crammed doors will be pleased to hear that the place is looking to expand. As well as more seating, there are plans for an outdoor area (heated, for year-round revelry), extended opening hours and an alcohol license to boot. The project will be overseen by a local architect, and looks to be an exciting new chapter in one of the city’s up-and-coming communities. Find out more at trovefoods.co.uk