Food lovers, prepare your tastebuds. American Express Presents: Food Fest is returning this autumn with a new concept bringing together a collaboration of some of the most exciting names from the London and Manchester food scenes.
Manchester culinary talent will head south to Freight Brixton, a new food, drink and entertainment destination, on Thursday 17 September. Working with Freight Brixton’s resident food vendors and local guest Whole Beast,the two cities’ food scenes will be brought together through a series of one-off dishes created exclusively for Food Fest.
This is before London talent makes the journey north to Freight Island Manchester on Thursday 22 October. Tickets for the London event are on sale now, for £15 per person, with Amex Cardmembers receiving additional benefits on the night, including a complimentary cocktail, access to a VIP bar and fast-track queues.
The Collaborations Coming to Freight Brixton:
Nell’s Pizza x Los Gordos: Bringing a taste of New York to Manchester since 2020, family run Nell’s Pizza crafts thin, crisp slices with the ultimate char and crunch. Their NYC inspired dough takes on authentic Mexican street tacos in this dynamic cross city pairing.
Another Hand x Whole Beast: Proudly independent and Michelin Guide recommended, Another Hand is led by Chef owner Max Yorke. Celebrated for an evolving menu built on foraged, local ingredients and low intervention British produce, they team up with Brixton nose-to-tail butchery and live-fire specialists, Whole Beast.
Osma x Little Bao Boy: Built on Scandinavian culture and traditional Nordic cooking techniques, Michelin Guide recommended OSMA showcases seasonal produce delivered with a relaxed, warm hospitality. Head Chef and co-founder Danielle Heron, who featured on The Great British Menu 2023, brings her refined Nordic touch to collaborate with Taiwanese street food favourite Little Bao Boy.
SAMPA x Black Stars: Operating as an intimate 12 seat chef’s table in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, Michelin-recommended SAMPA reimagines dishes inspired by all 26 states of Brazil using modern techniques and exotic ingredients. Their vibrant South American flavour profiles collide with the bold, smoky spices of Jamaican jerk icons Black Stars.
David Edwards, VP at American Express, said: “This year we wanted to do something a bit different for Food Fest, bringing together some of the most exciting names from the London and Manchester food scenes through a cross-city exchange. We know dining is something our Cardmembers are passionate about, so we’re excited to bring people together for two brilliant nights of great food, unexpected collaborations, live entertainment and some extra benefits for Amex Cardmembers along the way.”
How to Get Tickets
Tickets for the London event are priced at £15 per person and available via the Freight Brixton website now: https://www.freightbrixton.com/food-fest
Guests select a timed arrival slot when booking and are invited to have a drink in the chill-out area after their 90-minute slot time.
General Entry includes a welcome drink and a savoury dish, DJs and live music.
Amex Cardmembers will receive a complimentary cocktail, access to a VIP bar, and fast track queue lines.
Next Stop: Manchester Food Fest
Returning the favour, Freight Island, Manchester will play host to London icons on Thursday 22nd October 2026. The roster heading up includes celebrated chef, author, and Ottolenghi collaborator Ixta Belfrage, Covent Garden staple The Barbary, vegetable-centric chef Helen Graham, and Soho’s Michelin-recommended Northern Thai spot Khao Bird.
Manchester ticket details will be released in due course.
