-Credit-Johan-Persson.jpeg?width=1200&auto=webp&quality=75 "Oliver! at the Gielgud Theatre review: this darker take on the classic musical is all killer no filler")
Ian Wright has heaped praise on a popular Manchester restaurant and takeaway, saying it’s the ‘only reason’ he comes to the city. The former Arsenal striker shared a video online of himself tucking into Caribbean street food spot Jerk Junction.
In the video shared on social media, the ex-player can be seen eating a rice dish and giving a thumbs up. The restaurant also shared a picture of Wright with his takeaway.
Jerk Junction, which started life 11 years ago with its flagship Chorlton store on Manchester Road, has become popular with the likes of Nicki Minaj and former Manchester United player Jesse Lingard, who is now a director of the company.
READ MORE: Bar owner speaks out on chaos after clips emerge of drivers fighting in traffic mayhem
The restaurant also has locations in Altrincham, Wilmslow and at Kargo in Salford Quays’ MediaCity, as well as a restaurant in Sheffield. It is also opening a new spot at the Trafford Centre.
Back in August, the brand’s Chorlton store reopened for the first time since a blaze gutted out the unit. It is well loved for its jerk chicken, curried goat and vegetarian stews, alongside sides like rice and peas and plantain.
In the clip, Wright, who is sat at his table tucking into his meal says: “This is the only reason I come to Manchester really. It just so happens we do a podcast as well.”
He then says ‘Jerk Junction’ before trailing off and giving it the thumbs up. Tagging the restaurant in his Instagram stories, he also shared a picture of a bottle of their Guinness Punch.
Sharing a picture of Ian smiling with his takeaway, owners of Jerk Junction added: “Special delivery to everyones favourite uncles. The Legend himself Mr @wrightyofficial.”
Jerk Junction’s founder Jake Shaffi also told the Manchester Evening News that the former footballer and pundit ‘always orders every time he comes to Manchester’. He added since reopening after the fire at the Chorlton site, they’ve had the likes of Nas, Nicki Minaj, Cole Palmer, Mo Gilligan and Loyle Carner visit them.
Ian Wright currently appears on a number of podcasts and shows including Crossways and Stick to Football, the latter with Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher, Jill Scott, Ian Wright, and Roy Keane. While getting his regular order from Jerk Junction, he also shared a Instagram story with Jill at her Northenden cafe.
The former Manchester City player, who also won I’m a Celebrity in 2022, has run the Boxx2Boxx coffee shop on Palatine Road with partner Shelly Unitt since 2021. The venue serves a range of coffees and freshly made cakes and also hosts a variety of events, including board game nights and sticker swap clubs.
