Danny Malin: I’m loving the rise of Northern social media stars - from YouTube to Texas
‘Football and food go hand in hand’ ⚽
Not only did lockdown see a rise in new takeaways and dark kitchens, but it was also a booming time for many content creators like myself to build their own channels and platforms.
I’ve loved connecting with fellow Northerners who have become professional influencers, but in recent times, that has snowballed thanks to the World Cup.
Football and food go hand in hand as they’re all about bringing people together.
Before I flew out to watch England play and film food reviews, Manchester’s answer to the Sidemen, The Bov Boys, invited me to try an Indian buffet with them at the Royal Nawaab in Stockport. The collective, which includes Angry Ginge, all had to choose a plate of food for me for the YouTube challenge.
The food there is top-notch, but the boys did me in choosing dishes with sweetcorn in - aka the devil’s food - which is my food phobia.
I’d rather be on I’m A Celebrity eating insects and eyeballs than sweetcorn. Obviously, Angry Ginge won I’m A Celebrity, so it’s great to see him and his pals do so well as they started streaming about FIFA and gaming during lockdown. Now they’ve been invited to the World Cup, so I had a quick catch-up with them there too.
Whilst I was over filming in Dallas for Holy Hydration drinks at the World Cup, I also bumped into a Yorkshire contingent of food creators and football fans, including my mate Yorkshire Indian.
Whilst I was over in Dallas, I also managed to grab a burger with Steve Bracknall and go to his World Cup BBQ. We only live 20 miles from each other, but we hadn’t managed to meet in Yorkshire, so Dallas it was. He’s a top bloke and has done a lot for Sunday League.
Steve’s also pals with my mate Toddla T, a Sheffield-born music producer and DJ. Now I’m back, I’ll be meeting up with Toddla at his latest event at Dryad Works in Sheffield. Last time I saw him, it was at his studio to record a Christmas single about football.
Regardless of the team we all support, that’s what I love about the World Cup and some grub - it brings people together.