Northwest Food News – July 2013

If it's warm enough to take to the yard this month and you don't have your own, try a jaunt to the recently opened garden of the Free State Kitchen in Liverpool. Tucked away in the independent Ropewalks area, the newbie restaurant is run by husband and wife team Gary and Kate Hughes, who have their friend Dan manning the kitchen. Not only does he serve up some serious gastro-diner goodies – hello pastrami sandwiches – but he's also 'cheffed' for the likes of Tori Amos. Al fresco just got real y'all. 1 Maryland Street, Liverpool, L1 9DE, www.freestatekitchen.co.uk.

Ever wondered what Moose pancakes taste like? Well, those local to Liverpool should already be well aware of the all-American inspired treats of Moose Coffee, so look out, Manchester, because there's one starting up in your neighbourhood this month. Known for its early opening and shutting times, Moose takes breakfast very seriously: we'd recommend the French toast with bacon and a 'side-a cawfee'. If you prefer a savoury brekkie, have a gander through their sandwiches, bagels and salads – fair warning, they don't do small portions. Doors open July, 20 York Street, Manchester, M2 3BB, www.moosecoffee.co.uk.

If you're partial to a little bit of bun while looking around some antiques, then you're in luck in July with Cuthbert's Bakehouse Pop Up Shop. Arguably home to the best cupcakes in Liverpool, the shop's base in town on Mt Pleasant is a cosy place for a cuppa amid retro surroundings – and the bakery will be presenting a quintessential afternoon tea party in the gorgeous setting of St George's Hall as part of the Antiques and Collectors Fair on 13 July.

We've heard of a pre-theatre dinner, but dinner as theatre? If you're as intrigued as we are, try the Unfinished Business theatre company's Only Wolves and Lions at Contact, Manchester. The vision of Leo Kay, a much-respected dance theatre practitioner, the event invites anyone interested to an intimate evening of dinner, dance performance and storytelling. The only thing they ask of you is to have fun, and bring a raw ingredient to throw into the mix for the dinner table. Très creative. Contact, Manchester, 9-11 Jul, £15, www.contactmcr.com.

It's a terrible thing to have a flapper dress or a pair of gangster spats hanging sadly in your wardrobe, isn't it? Well, soon you'll have the chance to don your 1920s gladrags at The Big Speakeasy, Stockport's All-American Beer Festival. With beers from some of the States' best microbreweries on offer, you'll be spoilt for choice, but if you feel like going more Prohibition-authentic then get on board with their hefty list of Bourbons and cocktails. Victorian Market Hall, Stockport, 27 Jul, £10, tickets on sale until 13 Jul and price includes a drink on arrival, follow @thebigspeakeasy for details.