Thief Street, an innovative street food enterprise known for its bold, Asian-inspired cuisine, is making a substantial mark on Manchester’s culinary landscape. Think tender buttermilk fried chicken with homemade Asian sauces, loaded waffle fries, stacked burgers, and an ever-changing roster of inventive sides. Embracing an “East meets West” philosophy, Thief Street also boasts an impressive lineup of veggie and vegan options, ensuring that every palate can experience their vibrant flavours and creative dishes.
Starting as a modest home-based venture, this business led by Jon Green and his partner Ellen Birchenough has quickly become a standout feature in the local food scene. The brand is set to expand its presence further with a new pop-up location at Dockyard, MediaCity in Salford Quays, scheduled to open on Wednesday, 25th September 2024 with the official launch event being held on Friday, 27th September 2024.
To celebrate the launch on the 27th, Thief Street will offer free sides to all visitors to Dockyard, on the day, who purchase a main and give staff the secret Thief Street password, ‘Cluck me Sideways!”, adding an extra incentive for food enthusiasts to experience their unique flavours. As if that wasn’t enough, Thief Street will also be sending out exclusive 20% discount offers to their mailing list to be used on the launch night, which you can sign up for on the website www.thiefstreet.co.uk
From Lockdown to Local Landmark
Thief Street’s journey began in the midst of the COVID-19 lockdown, when Jon and Ellen started experimenting with Asian-inspired street food recipes from their apartment in Chorlton. What was originally a creative outlet has now evolved into a flourishing business with a loyal customer base. Known for its vibrant flavours and inventive dishes, Thief Street has become a beloved destination for food enthusiasts across Manchester and beyond.
A Unique Culinary Experience
Thief Street sets itself apart by offering a menu that combines bold, Asian-inspired flavours with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. Their signature dish, Asian-style fried chicken, comes glazed in a variety of homemade sauces, including Korean BBQ, Katsu curry, and Malaysian buffalo. These dishes are served with an assortment of house-made sides, such as masala rice and loaded waffle fries, providing a unique dining experience that emphasises flavour, freshness, and innovation.
Each menu item is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring a consistently high standard of taste and presentation. This commitment to quality has garnered Thief Street glowing reviews and a rapidly growing following. Their approach not only appeals to those seeking traditional Asian flavours but also to food lovers looking for new and exciting culinary experiences.
National Recognition and Local Success
Thief Street’s rising popularity hasn’t gone unnoticed. The brand recently gained national attention when it was featured on the Food Network’s show Adam Richman Eats Britain. The host, Adam Richman, praised Thief Street for their “extraordinarily well-made food,” a testament to the passion and hard work that Jon Green, Ellen Birchenough, and their team pour into every dish.
This television appearance has further solidified Thief Street’s reputation as a must-visit for those looking to experience the best of Manchester’s street food offerings. Their presence at popular locations such as The Gasworks in Manchester and The Produce Hall in Stockport attracts a diverse range of customers, from local foodies to tourists exploring the city’s culinary delights.
Expanding to MediaCity: A Strategic Move
With the upcoming opening of a third location at Dockyard, MediaCity in Salford Quays, Thief Street is strategically positioning itself to reach even more of Greater Manchester’s food enthusiasts. MediaCity, known for its vibrant community and bustling atmosphere, offers the ideal setting for Thief Street’s expansion. This move not only enhances the brand’s visibility but also makes its distinctive dishes more accessible to a broader audience.
“We’re super excited to be opening our third pop-up at MediaCity,” says Jon Green. “This expansion is a testament to the hard work and passion that Ellen, our team, and I put into Thief Street every day. We’re looking forward to continuing to develop our brand and bringing our well-researched recipes to even more Manchester food lovers.”
The Faces Behind Thief Street
Thief Street’s success is largely due to the dedication and expertise of its founders, Jon Green and Ellen Birchenough. Jon, a chef with a flair for culinary innovation, has a deep passion for exploring and reimagining Asian street food. Ellen plays a vital role in the operational side of the business, ensuring that the day-to-day running of Thief Street is as smooth as possible. Together, they have built a brand that not only resonates with their own passion for food but also connects with the tastes and preferences of their customers.
Thriving in a Competitive Food Scene
Manchester’s food scene is known for its diversity and vibrancy, with a multitude of culinary options available to residents and visitors alike. In such a competitive environment, Thief Street has distinguished itself by consistently offering high-quality, flavour-packed dishes that stand out. Their approach of using locally sourced ingredients aligns with the increasing demand for sustainable and ethical dining options, appealing to conscious consumers who value quality and provenance.
By focusing on creating a memorable dining experience with each dish, Thief Street has managed to cultivate a loyal customer base that continues to grow. Their emphasis on innovation and authenticity resonates well with a city known for its eclectic food culture, allowing them to carve out a niche in the market.
The Future of Thief Street
As Thief Street continues to expand, the brand remains committed to its core values of quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. The opening of the new MediaCity location is a significant step forward, offering an opportunity to introduce their Asian-inspired creations to an even wider audience. With plans for further growth, Jon Green and Ellen Birchenough are focused on ensuring that Thief Street remains synonymous with exceptional street food.
Thief Street’s success story serves as an inspiration for aspiring food entrepreneurs, demonstrating that passion, creativity, and a commitment to quality can transform a small home-based project into a recognised name within a city’s culinary landscape.
Contact and Further Information
For those eager to sample Thief Street’s renowned dishes or learn more about the brand, visit their website at www.thiefstreet.co.uk
For media inquiries, interviews, or requests for tastings, contact Wayne Devlin at [email protected].
Follow Thief Street on social media to stay updated on new locations, menu items, and events:
– Instagram: @thiefstreetmcr
– Facebook: thiefstreetmcr
Thief Street continues to bring the bold flavours of Asia to the streets of Manchester, captivating the taste buds of all who visit. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor to the city, Thief Street promises an unforgettable culinary adventure.
