MediaCity’s pop-up dining and events scene Kargo on the Docks has returned with brand new food partners for the 2025 al-fresco season 

Offering a range of global flavours, cocktails and craft ales, independent food meets local art for a summer celebration of talent at Kargo on the Docks

MediaCity’s popular outdoor dining concept Kargo on the Docks is set to return to the waterside this May, bringing a whole new line-up of independent street food traders to the heart of MediaCity. 

A collective of several re-imagined shipping containers, the foodie destination situated in MediaCity’s gardens will reopen its doors on the 9th May and will be operated by a brand-new line-up of local food partners including Afro Shack, Wok Bros, Sunrise Caribbean, Quiero Tacos and Habibs.

Foodies can expect a menu packed with bold new flavours including Caribbean, Lebanese, Mexican, Ethiopian and Pan-Asian dishes.

Afro Shack - the sister brand to Kargo.MKT favourite House of Habesha - will be serving fusion food such as burgers, loaded fries and wraps, combining East African flavours with indulgent American fast food, while new kids on the block Wok Bros will deliver sizzling, wok-tossed Pan-Asian street food and 100% halal dishes inspired by authentic flavours and fresh ingredients. 

Iconic Jamaican dishes such as coconut jerk chicken and crispy fried fish bites will also be on offer from Sunrise Caribbean, while Quiero Tacos will bring slow-cooked Birria tacos, cheesy quesadillas and vibrant rice bowls packed with the spirit of Mexico. Last but not least, Mediterranean food lovers can expect juicy lamb koftas, golden halloumi, and richly spiced chicken shawarma from Habibs - promising a flavour-packed summer of street food from around the world!

Kargo on the Docks also features a range of artwork and installations from local independent talent, which has been at the heart of the ‘On the Docks’ initiative since its inception. Each container is adorned with murals from creatives including Fernandes MakesKelly Ma and Caroline Daly, as well as Venessa Scott and MikeSian Studio, bringing a feel-good summer vibe to the MediaCity Gardens.

Visitors can also enjoy an art trail display through the gardens, featuring structures designed by, A Studio Called Jane, Luke Passey and Tasha Whittle

Please see details of each kitchen and artist below. Kargo on the Docks will be open Tuesday to Sunday from 12pm-9pm.

There will also be a range of pop-up events hosted at the venue throughout the summer, with more announcements set to be made soon.

Kargo on the Docks continues the legacy of its original concept, Box on the Docks, which was launched as a unique dining and arts experience aimed to support both the local hospitality businesses and self-employed creatives during the pandemic, by creating a unique, socially distanced dining experience which doubled as a piece of impactful public art.

For more information, please visit: https://www.mediacityuk.co.uk/onthedocks/

Food Traders Include:

Afro Shack

Afro Shack is the bold, streetwise sister brand to Kargo.MKT favourite, House of Habesha. Where House of Habesha honours tradition, Afro Shack flips the script, blending deep East African roots with the punchy, indulgent flavours of American fast food.

Offering crispy, golden-loaded fries dusted with berbere spice, juicy burgers with traditional herbs and house sauces and wraps packed with grilled chicken, fresh slaw and slow-cooked dorho sauces, Afro Shack brings the soul of Eritrean and Ethiopian cuisine to the fast food scene with a fiery fusion twist.

Wok Bros

After travelling Asia and discovering the wonder of its food on his travels, founder Omar couldn’t find anywhere back home in Manchester that served halal Asian cuisine, and Wok Bros was born. 

Bringing the heat of Asia’s street food culture to Manchester’s food scene with a 100% Halal, Pan-Asian street offering, Wok Bros is a bold new concept that blends authenticity, innovation, and street food soul, one sizzling wok at a time! 

From signature noodle bowls with "wok hei" (an aroma from the wok) that has always been emphasised by Uncle Roger, to street food favourites "Crispy Fried Chicken" that you can customise with different sauces. Each dish is wok-tossed to order using Asian ingredients that are fresh and locally sourced. 

Sunrise Caribbean 

Sunrise Caribbean was created by founder Michelle, originally from Portland, Jamaica—a region renowned for its rich culinary and musical heritage. Inspired by the vibrant home cooking of his grandparents, Michelle has carried those traditions with him, transforming a lifelong passion for creating a flavour-packed food experience.

At Sunrise Caribbean, the focus is on bold, authentic Caribbean street food with a modern twist. From coconut jerk chicken to crispy fried fish bites, every dish is prepared with care, heritage, and a generous helping of island soul. The menu balances beloved classics with contemporary favourites, offering something for every taste.

Queiro Tacos

Quiero Tacos is bringing the bold spirit and soul of Mexico to MediaCity this summer. Named after the Spanish phrase “Quiero,” meaning “I want,” the brand is built on the idea that one bite should leave you craving more.

Specialising in slow-cooked Birria beef and chicken—marinated for up to 12 hours in a rich blend of traditional Mexican chillies and spices—Quiero Tacos delivers deep, authentic flavour in every dish. From cheesy quesadillas to vibrant rice bowls, their menu is packed with bold textures, big flavours with options for vegetarians too.

Habibs

Born from a deep love for shawarma and a passion for sharing the taste of home, Habib’s is more than a food stall—it’s a celebration of cultural heritage and street food tradition.

From juicy lamb kofta and crispy falafel to golden fried halloumi and their signature chicken shawarma, every dish is crafted with rich spices, vibrant flavours, and the unmistakable soul of Lebanese cooking.

Named after the familiar phrase “Ya habib!”—shouted with affection to your favourite shawarma chef back home—Habib’s invites visitors to come for the bite and stay for the story.

Artists Include:

Venessa Scott | Vee

Venessa Scott, also known as Vee is a prolific public artist from the North of England. Recognised widely for her contribution to the arts and cultural sector in the North, her vibrant and joyful pattern based murals can be seen on walls, buildings and floors across the UK.  

Venessa also designed and painted one of the UKs tallest murals, she is an ambassador of The Pankhurst Centre and has since been recognised as a ‘Great Manchunian; A person who has had a significant cultural and creative impact on the City of Manchester and its surrounding areas’. 

MikeSian Studio

Mikesian Studio are a Design and Art duo from Manchester, made up of Mike and Sian. Their work is a mix of powerful words, bold colour and graphic forms, with a focus on bringing bright, inclusive artwork to communal & public spaces. They have worked at all kinds of scales; from designing commemorative postage stamps, to building miniature houses for rodents, to city wide charity ad campaigns and international festival artwork. This variety of work is their favourite part of their practice - always utilising different formats, with the consistent aim of making things that change the everyday experience.  

Fernandes Makes

Nicola Fernandes, known as Fernandes Makes is a multi-discipline artist specialising in painting and illustration. Known for her playful quirky style, Nicola’s work is heavily inspired by nature and birds. MediaCityUK is home of Nicola’s award winning independent gift shop Flock and Gaggle, proudly part of The ArtHouse charity project Salford Loading, where she supports and sells the work of over 40 Manchester based artists and hosts creative workshops. 

Nicola is a 2010 graduate in Visual Studies where her work has always been around social engagement and laugh out loud moments in the form of colourful merchandise, gallery installations, displays and mural art. Her largest mural so far was a giant 20 foot long tiger adorning a high-profile spot on Stevenson Square in Manchester’s Northern Quarter for Outhouse.

Kelly Ma

Kelly is an Illustrator from Manchester whose work  playfully explores visual connections between people, culture and cities. She enjoys capturing snippets of the local surroundings and moments we may take for granted, finding joy in the everyday mundane. Her practice explores a variety of mediums from painting murals and sculptures to digital illustrations as she enjoys the challenge of adapting her artwork to its surroundings. 

Much of Kelly’s recent work involves engaging with youth groups and schools in the local community through creative workshops resulting in informed outcomes that deliver messages in a playful way. Her work is driven by the desire to help others feel joy and inspiration through the arts, bringing people together.

Caroline Daly

Caroline is a socially engaged artist from Manchester based at Grit Studios. She loves to infuse life and colour into urban landscapes through the creation of street art inspired by nature and aims to highlight the beauty that lies within our communities.

Not content with only painting walls, she can be found painting sculptures of all shapes and sizes for the well known art trail producers Wild In Art, her latest being a Dog sculpture installed at Canary Wharf for Guide Dogs UK.

Kargo on the Docks 13 Jul 2025 - 07 Sep 2025

MediaCity’s popular outdoor dining concept Kargo on the Docks is set to return to the waterside this May, bringing a whole new line-up of independent street food traders to the heart of MediaCity. A collective of several re-imagined shipping containers, the foodie destination situated in…