Manchester’s historic water palace goes foodie for one day only

Sample the best of Manchester’s blossoming range of street food providers in the beautiful and fascinating setting of its most iconic historic sporting building.

Once described as the city’s Water Palace, historic Victoria Baths is turning its monthly open day into an occasion to enjoy food from around the world.

There will be plenty of street food and, for those who enjoy a sit-down occasion, there’s the stylish sophistication of afternoon tea, too.

Street food vendors will include Dim Sum Su, Purely Pizza, La Casita, Ice Cream Creations, BBQ Events Company and Sri Non Kitchen, whilst you can enjoy sandwiches, savouries, home-made scones and freshly brewed tea and coffee – all served on proper china – at the Afternoon Tea for Restoration in the building’s beautiful Pineapple Room.

All of the money raised from the Afternoon Tea will go towards the next stage of Victoria Baths’ restoration plans, aiming to bring the Turkish baths back into use. The BBC’s Restoration Fund has raised nearly £500,000 so far, after the Baths won the first series of the BBC TV programme Restoration with a massive 282,018 votes.

Make sure you visit the beautiful Gala Pool and take a look at the stained glass too.

The Open Day is on Sunday 9th July from 11am- 4pm with tours taking place of the Grade II listed building and a chance to listen to the wonderful sounds of Ordsall Acapella at 1pm and 2.30pm.

Entry to the Foodie Open Day is £4 for adults or £7, with a guided tour included and free for Under 16s and Friends of Victoria Baths. Tickets for the afternoon tea are £20 per head, which includes entry to the Open Day, and for those that want an added sparkle there is the option of prosecco for an extra £5.

“You’ll be able to explore Victoria Baths with its wonderful art nouveau architecture, browse the food stalls for a delicious lunch, relax and eat in a unique setting,” says Gill Wright of Victoria Baths Trust.

“To top it all there are choir performances and guided tours on offer, and a licensed bar! What better way to spend a summer Sunday afternoon?”

If you miss this upcoming Sunday, don’t worry. The Trust runs public Open Days at Victoria Baths on the second Sunday of each month from April to November (excluding August), and welcomes group tours by arrangement too.

For more info click here.