Finn Hall, Josh Young, and Harry Stocks, better known as Berry Boys, have launched a brand new concept in Manchester
(L-R) Josh Young, Finn Hall, and Harry Stocks of Berry Boys (Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)
When you spot a queue in Manchester, it’s likely for one of two things.
The ones that snake down the escalators at The Arndale see bleary-eyed shoppers rise early doors for the latest beauty drop, while food lovers can often be found patiently waiting their turn for one of the Northern Quarter’s famed brunch spots.
As we all know, it would be unusual to see droves of people queuing up outside restaurants and bars for a salad or something even remotely healthy because as much as we’re encouraged to eat our fruit and veg, it just doesn’t hit the same as a burger smothered in plastic cheese and dripping with sauce.
But there’s a Manchester ‘bar’ bucking that trend. Two weeks ago, hundreds of people queued up outside Deansgate General Store for a viral superfood treat.
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From behind matte, steel counters, three entrepreneurs emerged, dishing up bowls brimming with frozen açaí (a type of berry from the Amazon rainforest), sliced bananas, coconut flakes, nut butter and homemade granola.
Two weeks ago, 500 people queued up outside Deansgate General Store for a viral superfood treat(Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)
These cold smoothie bowls originated in Brazil, where indigenous tribes enjoyed the health benefits and taste of the açaí berries for centuries. Now though, you’ll find them in trendy cafes in Los Angeles, Melbourne and even Manchester.
Lauded for their antioxidant powers, rich blend of vitamins A, C and E along with fibre and healthy fats, they’re almost too pretty to eat with their deep purple base and lush toppings.
Finn Hall, Josh Young, and Harry Stocks, better known as Berry Boys have launched their new açaí bowl bar in the luxury Deansgate Square vicinity having become fans of the product and wanting to flex their creative muscles.
Açaí bowls brimming with the frozen açaí (a type of berry from the Amazon rainforest), sliced bananas, coconut flakes, but butter and homemade granola(Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)
Each also bring a unique set of skills to the new project. Finn, 24, is the founder of mushroom-based wellness brand Headstrong; Josh, 27, comes from a background in property investment; and Harry, 28, is a photographer and the founder of electrolyte brand HiLyte.
“On the content side, Harry has absolutely nailed it, that’s his background, he’s very comfortable doing that,” says co-founder Josh.
“With Finn owning Headstrong the logistical side comes easier to him, because he’s done it and we’re working in a similar realm, and for me it’s people, I’m good at speaking to people and handling the employee side of it.
There is also a Build Your Bowl option, allowing customers to personalise their treat(Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)
“The launch was amazing, 500 people came down, and logistically that could have been a nightmare, but we managed it and everyone was happy, and the past nine days of us trading have been great.”
What unites them is a shared passion for healthy food which tastes great and is good for you.
“There’s a lot of açaí out there, but nothing that truly defines the space or represents the culture around it,” says co-founder Finn Hall.
(L-R) Finn Hall, Josh Young, and Harry Stocks of Berry Boys(Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)
“We’re here to change that and it’s a passion project between us. We all loved the products and felt that we had the individual skills that complemented each other.
“We found this space, which is a low barrier to entry because you don’t pay rent up front, and then thought why not give it a try. We all did this for less than £5,000 start-up costs.
“I think the viral element is that the end product is beautiful and people like to take pictures.
The menu features three bold signature bowls(Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)
“There’s also a lack of convenient, healthy options in Manchester, whereas this is something you can eat on the go, can eat any time of day, and it’s nutritious, full of fruits, completely natural and almost guilt-free.”
The açaí which is imported directly from Brazil, is elevated with adaptogenic ingredients, giving Berry Boys the edge when it comes to health and wellness bowls.
The menu features three bold signature bowls: El Clasico with açaí, granola, strawberry, banana and blueberry; Health’n’Wealth with açaí, banana, kiwi, strawberry, blueberry, honey, Chia seeds and coconut shavings; and The Works with açaí, granola, strawberry, banana, blueberry, kiwi, cacao nibs, peanut butter, Nutella, coconut shavings.
Hundreds turned up to the launch of Berry Bowls at Deansgate Towers(Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)
“When we did a bit more research into the market, you realise that a lot of products currently on the market are of lower quality,” adds Finn.
“It can be a mixed blend whereas ours is a higher percentage of acai, and my mum makes all the granola at home so that’s a nice personal touch and we know exactly what’s going into the products. Fruit is delivered every single day too, so nothing is frozen.”
There is also a Build Your Bowl option, allowing customers to personalise their treat with toppings including Mum’s Granola, fresh fruit (banana, strawberry, blueberry, kiwi), Nutella, honey, peanut butter, dark chocolate sauce, cacao nibs, coconut shavings, chia seeds, and Headstrong Lion’s Mane powder – a nod to the brand’s wellness roots.
As well as three signature bowls and build-you-own their will be some new menu items (Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)
Going forward, the trio are hoping to introduce new bowls and products to the menu each month, and there’s even plans to start doing morning porridge for busy commuters and those who want something healthy on the go.
As Josh says: “If we made a burger joint we wouldn’t feel as good about eating a burger every day whereas something like this, you feel good after you eat it.”
Berry Boys is located inside Deansgate General Store at 9 Owen Street, M15 4YB. The shop is open daily from 8am to 7pm.