Escape to Freight Island, Manchester

Escape to Freight Island is like an entertainment market with small venders all grouped together to form a large going out space that was very busy with a student crowd during a recent midweek visit. As I walked in I was pounced on by one of the young’uns at the entrance. After explaining that I was after a beer I was chaperoned to Pamona Island that is a small bar with five bar stools and a few tables. I was the only customer, although some of the other places were very busy. Maybe the location of this bar in the corner away from the live entertainment means that it is quieter – suited me to be honest! This is Pamona Brewery’s tap so the bar supports 12 of their keg products. I went for a pint of 4% Factotum that set me back £5 for a pint. There were also four guest keg beers from Abbeydale, Left Handed Giant, Blackjack and Aben. I found the service to be very friendly and although this is a basic space I enjoyed my visit.

Large, split-level events space with numerous street food outlets inside the old Mayfield station building with two main communal seating areas. Plenty of additional seating out in the former freight yard. No cask beer, but some interesting craft beers available. I went for the Sott'er Celo De Roma seasonal pale ale (£6.20) from the Pomona Island tap and Seven Brothers Honeycomb (£5.80) from the main Freight Island bar. Other options for drinks include the upstairs Jane Eyre cocktail bar and a wine bar / bistrot.