We immersed ourselves in Manchester’s vibrant espresso tradition on the inaugural Slurp Fest, an modern occasion organized by locals.
BY VASILEIA FANARIOTI
SENIOR ONLINE CORRESPONDENT
Photographs courtesy of Steffi Njoya
On November 13-15, Manchester, U.Ok., performed host to the very first Slurp Fest: a dynamic espresso competition designed to have a good time the town’s vibrant espresso tradition and the hardworking people behind it. The occasion was organized by Nat McDonald, proprietor of Atrium Espresso, and Oatly UK barista market developer and occasional competition specialist, Laura Chamberlain, and it got here to life in response to the closure of the Manchester Espresso Pageant.
The modern competition not solely showcased the town’s distinctive impartial espresso outlets but additionally fostered group spirit by numerous occasions, competitions, and a particular Espresso Path, a mapped-out journey all through the town with stops at over 20 cafés.
The Start of Slurp Fest
The story of Slurp Fest started amidst uncertainty. When the Manchester Espresso Pageant went into liquidation in June of 2024, it left a gaping gap within the metropolis’s espresso group. Recognizing the affect this had on native companies, Nat and Laura determined to create an alternate celebration. “We needed to discover a (completely different) method to convey the group collectively and showcase what our fantastic metropolis has to supply. Slurp Fest was born,“ says Nat.
Shortly after, the Manchester Espresso Pageant was taken over by one other organizer, permitting it to proceed regardless of the preliminary setback. Nonetheless, Nat and Laura emphasised that they didn’t intention to switch the competition, however relatively supply one thing distinct. “It was an opportunity for us to roll out one thing barely completely different that benefited the cafés and the individuals who would normally exhibit at these trade-show fashion occasions,“ Laura says.
Nat and Laura’s purpose was clear: to create an inclusive atmosphere the place each espresso fans and informal drinkers may expertise the very best of Manchester’s espresso scene, gaining a contemporary perspective alongside the historically structured competition.
A Pageant Filled with Taste and Enjoyable
This yr’s Slurp Fest boasted an thrilling itinerary stuffed with daytime occasions, workshops, tastings, and the much-anticipated Espresso Path. Contributors collected stamps from numerous taking part espresso outlets, culminating in a raffle for particular prizes.
“We had over 60 outlets on our preliminary record however narrowed it down to twenty after my spouse sensibly identified that the town’s (emergency) departments wouldn’t admire a sudden surge in coronary heart palpitations and insomnia!“ Nat jokes.
All through the competition, there have been free roasting workshops facilitated by native espresso roasters, in addition to espresso tastings packed stuffed with keen attendees. “We ran with the concept the Espresso Path would run through the day, giving individuals an opportunity to get out and discover the scene,“ says Laura. “By the top of the path, they might unwind on the night occasions, having fun with good meals, drink, and group.“
The Standout Occasions
One of many competition’s foremost highlights was the launch occasion, which Laura described as having “a lot hype round it“ that they needed to lengthen entry tickets on-line twice on account of overwhelming demand.
The celebration featured an array of native culinary abilities and crafted drinks, accompanied by tunes from a neighborhood DJ collective, creating an unforgettable environment. The competition additionally hosted the very first brewing competitors, along with a energetic latte artwork throwdown set in an artwork studio.
Nat shared the thrill, saying, “It was such a cool venue to set the scene for what was one other unimaginable occasion!“ Each organizers emphasize that these occasions fostered a way of group, drawing contributors from numerous backgrounds, together with newcomers to the competitors scene.
The Way forward for Slurp Fest
Probably the most gratifying features of Slurp Fest was the optimistic suggestions from attendees. Many contributors shared that, by the occasion, they found espresso outlets they’d by no means heard of earlier than.
“The path gave individuals incentives to attempt one thing new of their neighborhood (and) discover new elements of Manchester,“ Nat says, highlighting the competition’s position in serving to native cafés acquire visibility.
“The suggestions from the companies was overwhelmingly optimistic, with many already asking find out how to be concerned once more subsequent yr!” says Laura.
The competition’s organizers had been happy to see that the occasion inspired contributors from each the business and most people to have interaction within the native espresso scene. “There have been many individuals competing for the primary time, which actually exhibits how accessible and inclusive the vibe was,” says Nat.
With such a profitable inaugural occasion, there are already plans in movement for future Slurp Fests, in 2025 and past. Each Nat and Laura envision the competition increasing to different cities, with the concept of bringing much more espresso fans collectively. “There’s a place for Slurp Fest in each metropolis,” Nat says with enthusiasm.
Laura provides, “It’s about celebrating and collaborating with espresso communities that exist already and inspiring (locals) to go to (new) cafés.”
The message from Slurp Fest resonates past the competition dates, emphasizing the significance of supporting native espresso outlets all yr lengthy. “It’s a troublesome time to be an impartial enterprise, however we hope that by encouraging the general public to ‘slurp native,’ we will maintain many extra of our superior outlets open for a few years to come back,” Nat says passionately.
Trying ahead, Nat and Laura urge everybody to remain concerned with Manchester’s espresso scene, whether or not by visiting native cafés or following competition updates. ”Maintain supporting native! Espresso outlets supply an area for individuals to collect, and that group side is so essential,” Nat says, encapsulating the enduring spirit of connection that Slurp Fest goals to foster.
Because the steam settles from this yr’s competition, the anticipation grows for what the long run holds for Slurp Fest and the communities it uplifts.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Vasileia Fanarioti (she/her) is a senior on-line correspondent for Barista Journal and a contract copywriter and editor with a main concentrate on the espresso area of interest. She has additionally been a volunteer copywriter for the I’M NOT A BARISTA NPO, offering content material to assist educate individuals about baristas and their work.
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