Grillstock - Leicester

The Grillstock Festival in Manchester lived up to its tagline of 'Meat. Music. Mayhem.' Despite the slightly drizzly weather, the crowds flocked to Albert Square for a day of carnivorous delights. Tickets were a hefty £22.50 and had to be purchased in advance online as the event had already sold out. Fortunately, I received a free ticket from a friend who couldn't attend, otherwise, I'm not sure I would have been willing to pay that much without some complimentary food or drinks included. The variety of food options was impressive, with vendors like Fire Salt, Red's True BBQ, and Street Dogs offering delicious fare. Most dishes were priced between £4-6, with smaller snacks costing around £3 each. The hotdogs from Street Dogs were particularly large and tasty. Beer from Brooklyn Brewery and cloudy cider from Lazy Jacks were excellent beverage choices. Live music from Rob Heron The Teapad Orchestra kept the crowd entertained, and the chili eating competition was a hit, with brave competitors taking on increasingly hot chilies. The only drawback of the event was the overcrowding and lack of circulation space, but overall it was a fun way to spend an afternoon and indulge in some delicious food.

I returned to Grillstock this year for the third time, unable to resist buying early bird tickets for another trip to BBQ heaven. The festival, still held on Albert Square, has grown in size, with the main stage now providing more space. However, the entrance was hard to find and lacked signage, causing a bit of confusion upon arrival. Once inside, we headed to the bar, which was stocked with a variety of drinks including Brewdog beer and cider, wine, and prosecco. There were also other bars offering options like spiced rum and Jack Daniel's cocktails. One of the highlights of Grillstock is the chance to try food from different vendors, many coming from around the country. I enjoyed slow-cooked lamb from Ross&Ross and a burger from The Beefy Boys. Unfortunately, the stalls serving ribs ran out quickly, leaving only a limited selection of burgers and hot dogs. The festival also offered entertainment such as music, circus performers, eating competitions, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Overall, Grillstock provided a fun and relaxed Saturday with plenty of delicious food options.

Although I may not be a native Texan, I will certainly be returning to Grillstock.

First off, I preface this review as being an American from Texas where BBQ can be found just about anywhere.