Box on the Docks outdoor dining to return with top Salford and Manchester pop-ups

Box on the Docks launched in 2020 as a way to help support local artists and the hospitality industry through the pandemic – and the concept has grown from to strength to strength.

Now, MediaCityUK’s popular outdoor dining concept is set for another busy summer on the waterside piazza, for the first time in partnership with Salford-born Seven Bro7hers Brewing Co, who will operate a rotating residency of food and drink pop-ups, along with live music and events for all ages.

Launching 10th June, BOTD will be taking on a brand-new format, playing host to a rotating programme of independent food and drink vendors serving up the best pop-ups Salford and Manchester have to offer, giving a platform to both emerging and established local brands.

Seven Bro7hers Brewing Co, who also run its popular beer house in MediaCityUK, will also take over the  Box on the Docks Bar, offering its award-winning independent beers along with guest beers from local craft breweries including Shindigger, Manchester Union Lager and Pomona, as  well as programming regular live music and events within the piazza.

Pop-ups will include The Tasty Greek, serving up classic Greek gyros on the MediaCity piazza, and Beigel, who will offer freshly made bagels with new specials each day.

Leading local distillery, Four Sis4ers Distillery, will serve tasty tipples from a glamorous silver air stream using their handcrafted selection of spirits distilled in the heart of Salford Quays.

And A Few Scoops will take two of life’s greatest pleasures, ice cream and cocktails, and thrash them together to make treats including an Old Fashioned, infused with orange zest and bourbon, and a rich and creamy Piña Colada made with organic coconuts, pineapple and rum.

More pop-ups are still to be announced.

“This year’s Box on the Docks is  set to be the best yet!” says Keith McAvoy, CEO of Seven Bro7hers.

“The partnership gives Seven Bro7hers an opportunity to make the  most of the summer footfall and visitors, and to do what we do best – celebrate great food and drink in the heart of Salford.

“MediaCity has been home to our beerhouse for 12 months. And despite challenges the pandemic has thrown at us, it continues to thrive.

“We can’t wait to expand into the Box on the Docks bar and welcome the whole site into the family this  Summer.” 

The original Box on the Docks concept saw an array of greenhouses and sheds positioned throughout the piazza, transformed by locally commissioned artists to bring vibrant and  socially distanced outdoor dining spaces.

These greenhouses have since been donated to local community outreach groups for a new lease of life enriching Salford’s outdoor wellbeing  programmes. 

This summer, Box on the Docks will be partnering with the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity with all money raised being donated towards A Bed Every Night, whilst the Salford Foodbank’s Gift Box also continues to be in situ accepting food donations to be distributed to local families in need. 

“There’s a real buzz of excitement as we look forward to another summer of Box on the Docks,” says Josie Cahill, MediaCity Place Director.

“The concept was born from a need to  support our local hospitality partners and we are thrilled it has continued to prove such a successful platform for independents on our doorstep and visitors to MediaCity.

“We’re excited to be partnering with the Seven Bro7hers team who will bring a host of fantastic new food and drink popups that will really bring the Piazza to life for visitors and residents alike.” 

Box on the Docks will launch on 10th June 2022.