Outdoor dining concept Box on the Docks is back for summer

Popular outdoor dining concept Box on the Docks is all set for summer after opening bookings for its striking, art-adorned hospitality pods ready to welcome back diners from Monday 17th May.

Over the past few weeks local artists have returned to re-vamp BOTD’s collection of 30 sheds and greenhouses to create a fresh, summer vibe to the quirky private dining pods set within MediaCityUK’s award winning gardens.

Since launching BOTD last year to help support local artists and the hospitality industry through the pandemic, the concept has grown from to strength to strength – safely attracting thousands of diners over last summer as well as acting as an immersive art trail throughout the winter months. 

New additions for the BOTD summer season include The Box on the Docks Bar and Grill which will serve up the best pop-up food Salford and Manchester has to offer on rotating tri-weekly residencies.

It will kick off with award winning Grandad’s Sausages, followed by the equally lauded I Knead Pizzas, with more to follow.

Open daily, it will serve coffee and delicious pastries by Batard Bakehouse and for the grab and go lunchtime customer, amazing/ridiculous subs from Bada Bing Sandwich Deli.

Guest beers will feature from local craft breweries and it will host regular DJ sets and live music later in the day. 

“It’s a great spot down at MediaCityUK,” said Michael Kershaw from Grandad’s Sausages.

“The gardens are lush, the beers are cold and the sausages we knock out are sizzling.

“It’s a hive of activity down here and we’re proud to put smiles on our customers faces with our high-quality bangers!”

The launch of the new family run Seven Bro7hers brew house not only brings another popular, local independent into the heart of MediaCityUK but also gives a new option for customers to enjoy a pint and one of their signature burgers, flatbreads or wedges either within the beer house or in a private BOTD pod.

Plant based eatery Vertigo as well as The Botanist have also committed to BOTD for the summer season, with Vertigo offering brunch and supper menus from their boxes. 

“We are so pleased to finally be launching our MediaCityUK space after months of waiting for COVID restrictions to ease,” said Keith McAvoy, CEO of Seven Bro7hers.

“MediaCityUK is such a vibrant and exciting location, so we can’t wait to kick off by being part of the Box on the Docks buzz.

“It is fantastic after months of closures and restrictions to be back doing what we love – welcoming people into our family for a pint.

“We look forward to seeing our customers in our new beer house and making the most of our Box on the Docks spaces this Summer.”

As well as the vibrant BOTD dining scene, visitors to MediaCityUK will be able to capture the moment in front of the new spring/summer flower wall and younger members of the family can take part in the Luna Loves Art Trail.  

The Salford Foodbank’s Gift Box also continues to be in situ accepting food donations to be distributed to local families in need. 

“It’s been a long winter and as restrictions gradually lift it’s great to see MediaCityUK coming back to life,” said Josie Cahill, MediaCityUK.

“There’s a real buzz of excitement among our amazing cohort of artists and independent foodies and operators who have really pulled together to create a special experience for our visitors this summer.

“We have some fantastic new additions with the arrival of Bro7hers and our very own Box on the Docks Bar & Grill.

“We’ve also brought in more seating around the piazza and gardens to help people safely socialise this summer.”

Box on the Docks reopens on Monday 17th May. To book a box and for more information, visit: Box On The Docks – MediaCityUK.