Hundreds queued down the streets of Manchester's Northern Quarter on Wednesday 19 August as beloved butty shop Rustica was transformed for one day into Greek grill concept Kardia, giving away 500 free gyros.
One-day takeover draws big queues
Rustica, on Hilton Street, has been known for its affordably-priced hot and cold sandwiches and huge lunchtime queues since opening in 2000. Its wall of flavour combinations includes melted feta, oregano and vegetable, tuna melt, the chicken club and hot beef and mozzarella.
But on Wednesday, the cafe was given a new identity as Kardia to promote the upcoming launch of the venue inside the House of Social food hall, set for Friday 4 September. Manager Jeanette and her team took a rare Wednesday lunchtime off as the giveaway drew big queues in traditional Rustica fashion.
Free gyros offered to customers
Customers could choose between chicken gyros with garlic yoghurt, Greek salad, sumac onion and lemon, or grilled halloumi gyros with fermented chilli, Greek salad, sumac onions and lemon.
Kardia will take over Ok Taqueria at House of Social, joining Choi Wan, Mughli, Burger & Beyond at the 12,000 sq ft food hall on Sir Howard Bernstein Approach near HOME. Popular pizza spot Dough Religion will also prepare warm grilled pita for the Kardia concept.
Full menu and opening details
The full menu will include filled flatbreads with toppings like lamb and mutton kofta, meatballs, and hummus with green chilli jam, as well as Greek dishes from the grill, small plates and house-made breads and dips. A signature dessert of burnt orange filo cake with Greek yoghurt, pistachio and olive oil will also be served.
Kardia will open at House of Social from 4 September at 10 Sir Howard Bernstein Approach, Manchester M15 4ND.
