United Kingdom

Manchester

Vietnamese 

Food

Florentino

Blending the cross-cultural influences of his family’s Colombian roots and his British upbringing, Florentino’s sound is a global concoction of styles.

Location has always played a large role in Florentino’s work. In 2013, while staying on his grandfather’s farm in Colombia, the producer played his music to his cousins. At that point in time, he was crafting music that was largely shaped by UK club sounds. His cousins told him to make reggaeton instead – and he did. This led to his debut release, 

, on the Manchester label Swing Ting in 2015. His cross-cultural influences has also seen him land releases on platforms such as NYC's Mixpak and Mexico City's Naafi. Fast forward to 2023 and he’s recently released an EP of steamy and sultry club ammunition via XL Recordings. Titled 

the EP is a nod to “an almost nameless road” close to his grandfather’s farm near Villavicencio, in Colombia, where the Florentino project was born.

The EP sees him incorporate that UK low-end with the diverse rhythms coming out of the sprawling club scenes across Latin America. Collaborating with some of the most exciting diasporic club talent is one of the key tenets behind Florentino’s work too (Isabella Lovestory and Bad Gyal are just a few examples), and for his latest release he’s enlisted the likes of KD One, Shygirl and Baby Cocada for vocals; alongside the globally-minded producer Bambii and frequent collaborator DJ Python.

For his Trippin guide, he takes us around Manchester. From family-run Colombian spots to Vietnamese restaurants, this is the ultimate guide to one of the UK’s most multicultural cities.

Cafe Sanjuan in Stockport is just 10 minutes on the train from Manchester's city centre. It’s the only Colombian spot in Manchester run by a lovely family and the food is as authentic as it gets. While it’s also an important hub for the Colombian community in the area, they are super welcoming of anyone wanting to try something new. Their weekend specials are something to behold.

Growing up in Manchester I've seen a drastic change in the city centre. As gentrification continues in and around the area, finding a down-to-earth spot to have a drink and snack without getting your head blown off by generic Top 40 music surrounded by hoards of yuppies has become next to impossible. Peste feels like a sanctuary away from that, you can browse records, books and cassettes while having a bevy or a hot chocolate – and it's peaceful. When it’s busy, it’s always good people too. Definitely recommend it for pre-drinks, or if you’re in Sunday chill mode, this place is the one. They invite local favourites to play on the weekend too.

Pho No. 1, just opposite the main post office depot, lies on a road with a number of different Vietnamese spots. All of them have their own particular charm and great food, but I find the people running Pho No. 1 to be lovely people. Not only are all their mains to die for but one of the ladies in there has started to organise raves. I love to go in, get a spicy vermicelli noodle soup and get a little update on how it's all going.

Kabana is a Sunday classic. I was introduced to this spot of Joey B's and Samrai's (basically if DJs had club music parents, these guys are that to me) and I’ve never looked back. It’s a legendary spot. The nehari on Sunday is to die for.

The raspberry Danish is amazing. Its got very popular so you have to queue up but it is worth it.

Maybe one of the only true 24-hour spots in Manchester. This place is super important to workers working throughout the night and has been running since 1999. A classic after-the-club spot but also, the food's great, it’s worth going anytime.

Chicken Run in Moss Side makes these chicken splits that are to die for. Going down in the summer, ordering one and then walking down to Alexandra Park is something I’ve really enjoyed in recent years.

Pho Cue holds a special place in my heart. Not only is the name very tongue-in-cheek but the food is also ridiculously good. Located in Chinatown, what it does best is serve up exciting takes on Vietnamese dishes. Everything on the menu is incredible. Definitely worth the trip.

Pho Cue

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