We immersed ourselves in Manchester’s vibrant espresso tradition on the inaugural Slurp Fest, an revolutionary occasion organized by locals.

BY VASILEIA FANARIOTI
SENIOR ONLINE CORRESPONDENT

Images courtesy of Steffi Njoya

On November 13-15, Manchester, U.Okay., performed host to the very first Slurp Fest: a dynamic espresso competition designed to have fun 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 revolutionary competition not solely showcased town’s distinctive unbiased espresso retailers but in addition fostered group spirit by means of varied occasions, competitions, and a particular Espresso Path, a mapped-out journey all through 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 impression this had on native companies, Nat and Laura determined to create an alternate celebration. “We needed to discover a (totally different) approach to deliver the group collectively and showcase what our great 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. Nevertheless, Nat and Laura emphasised that they didn’t purpose to switch the competition, however fairly supply one thing distinct. “It was an opportunity for us to roll out one thing barely totally different that benefited the cafés and the individuals who would often exhibit at these trade-show model occasions,“ Laura says.

Nat and Laura’s aim was clear: to create an inclusive setting the place each espresso fans and informal drinkers might expertise the very best of Manchester’s espresso scene, gaining a recent perspective alongside the historically structured competition.

A Pageant Filled with Taste and Enjoyable

This yr’s Slurp Fest boasted an thrilling itinerary full of daytime occasions, workshops, tastings, and the much-anticipated Espresso Path. Members collected stamps from varied collaborating espresso retailers, culminating in a raffle for particular prizes. 

“We had over 60 retailers on our preliminary checklist however narrowed it down to twenty after my spouse sensibly identified that town’s (emergency) departments wouldn’t recognize 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 that the Espresso Path would run through the day, giving folks an opportunity to get out and discover the scene,“ says Laura. “By the tip of the path, they may unwind on the night occasions, having fun with good meals, drink, and group.“

The Standout Occasions

One of many competition’s most important 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 skills and crafted drinks, accompanied by tunes from an area DJ collective, creating an unforgettable environment. The competition additionally hosted the very first brewing competitors, along with a full of life 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 unbelievable occasion!“ Each organizers emphasize that these occasions fostered a way of group, drawing contributors from varied backgrounds, together with newcomers to the competitors scene.

The Way forward for Slurp Fest

One of the vital gratifying facets of Slurp Fest was the optimistic suggestions from attendees. Many contributors shared that, by means of the occasion, they found espresso retailers they’d by no means heard of earlier than. 

“The path gave folks incentives to attempt one thing new of their neighborhood (and) discover new elements of Manchester,“ Nat says, highlighting the competition’s function in serving to native cafés achieve visibility.

“The suggestions from the companies was overwhelmingly optimistic, with many already asking methods to be concerned once more subsequent yr!” says Laura.

The competition’s organizers have been happy to see that the occasion inspired contributors from each the trade and most of the people to interact within the native espresso scene. “There have been many individuals competing for the primary time, which actually reveals 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 retailers all yr lengthy. “It’s a troublesome time to be an unbiased enterprise, however we hope that by encouraging the general public to ‘slurp native,’ we will maintain many extra of our superior retailers open for a few years to return,” Nat says passionately.

Wanting 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. ”Preserve supporting native! Espresso retailers supply an area for folks to collect, and that group facet is so vital,” 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 major give attention to 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 folks about baristas and their work.

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