Northwest Food News – February 2016

Gin has enjoyed something of a renaissance of late; what was formerly a drinks cabinet relic and Nana’s favourite has now become the spirit of choice. It's something ex-bartender Leon Dalloway knew all too well when he set up The Gin Journey – a unique, immersive tour of gin joints and cocktail bars. His chauffeur-driven carriage (a posh minibus) rolls into the Northwest this month, and promises samples of specially selected premium gins, well-crafted cocktails and an insight into the history and production methods behind it all. Think of it as the coolest school trip you've ever been on. Various venues in Manchester and Liverpool, from 3 Feb, 6.30pm, £40, shakerattleandstir.co.uk

Amy's Mobile Kitchen hits the road

Vegetarian favourite Amy’s Kitchen is also on the road this month. Known for their line of organic convenience food, the team are heading on tour to London, Glasgow and Manchester with new initiative Amy’s Mobile Kitchen. Direct from their nifty vintage truck, they’ll be offering hearty soups and chillies, with all profits going to local charity Back on Track, which aims to help out some of Greater Manchester’s most disadvantaged. There'll be bread on offer from Lancashire bakery Artisan Food Works to boot. The van’s location will be revealed each day on Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #amysmobilekitchen, so keep your eyes peeled. Various venues, 16-21 Feb, @amyskitchenuk

The Buttery opens new venue

Regulars at the Northwest's many food markets might be glad to know that local favourite The Buttery has opened its very own bricks-and-mortar spot at Levenshulme’s recently shuttered POD. Set up by the ingeniously named Neil Buttery, it offers a wealth of British bakes and dishes with local produce and traditional techniques at their core. As well as signature cheese scones and deep-fill pies, you can expect gems such as 19th-century lamb curry and a cassoulet with pork belly and smoked ham hock. Albert Road, Manchester, 10am-11pm, @neilbuttery

Port Street Beer House turns five

You're only five once, right? So to celebrate its half-decade, Manchester’s Port Street Beer House is going all out. Strictly, this is a belated birthday shout-out, as the main event is kicking off during the last week of January, but there’s still plenty of revelry to be had. The beer house, named CAMRA’s North Manchester Pub of the Year 2014, is hooking up with some of the city’s finest breweries, including Cloudwater, Vocation, Squawk and recent Skinny Food and Drink Survey Best Local Beer winners Track, to create five special beers for the occasion. Get your kicks now lads, it's all downhill from here. Port Street, Manchester, from 28th Jan, @portstreetbeer