FAQs
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions to our customer service team, but if you have any more questions, please do contact us.
About Food Escapes
What is a Food Escape?
A Food Escape is a real-world food puzzle experience in the city. A series of clues are sent to you via WhatsApp and must be solved in the real world, with answers hidden in the streets, buildings and little details around you.
As you solve the clues correctly, they guide you through the city and unlock 3 different delicious independent restaurants along the way, where food is included at every stop.
The game is also timed, we love a bit of competition! You'll be racing against the clock for a place on the leaderboard, but the timer is paused at each of the 3 food stops so you have time to relax and enjoy your food.
What exactly is included in the ticket price?
All food and all clues are included in the ticket price. There are 3 food stops per Food Escape at 3 different restaurants.
The restaurants are all partnered with us and will know you're coming. Come hungry because you will be more than full by the end!
Is there someone there to guide us in person?
No physical host is involved. All you need is WhatsApp! Everything will be sent to you, you'll just need to solve the clues and eat delicious food!
Why is it called Food Escapes? What are we escaping from?!
Aaron here, founder of Food Escapes :) The 'Escapes' part of the name is meant to represent the puzzle style clues you get when doing an escape room. The 'Food' part I hope is obvious!
Are the locations revealed in advance or along the way?
They are revealed step by step as you solve each clue.
What kind of people is this best suited for?
Couples, friends, families, corporates, and anyone who enjoys food, walking in the city, and a bit of interactive fun.
Is it suitable for kids?
9 and over, we think so! Under 9, please read below.
There's a few things to consider, every child is different so please be your own judge:
1. A Food Escape is a 2-3 hour experience and requires walking around the city - may be a lot for some little legs!
2. The quantity of food included on each escape is enough food to leave an adult full. But for young children, it will be too much. If you do want to take younger children, you are welcome to buy 1 extra person for 2 children and have them share the food. e.g. 2 adults and 2 younger children = 3 tickets and the children can share. This also makes it half price for younger kids.
You are more than welcome to take along children who are not eating at the restaurants i.e. infants in pushchairs, at no additional cost.
3. The puzzles are sent over WhatsApp. Kids who can read well will enjoy playing and reading the clues as they come through. It also requires thought and reasoning to solve some clues. While majority of clues will be solved by finding things around you, e.g. answers hidden in the architecture or the streets around you (all of which would be suitable for any age), some will also need some light maths or common culture knowledge where an adult would need to help.
Are Food Escapes dog friendly?
Some are, it's all based on the restaurants on each Escape. Our current Manchester Food Escapes that are dog friendly are as follows:
Los Tacos
Rise & Dine Brunch
Craft Beer
Comfort Cravings
About the Experience
How difficult are the clues?
Some easy, some more challenging! You just require basic observation skills and teamwork. It's not things like general knowledge or trivia questions, all the answers are hidden in the building architecture, or street signs, or things around you in the city. You need to be physically there to solve for the answers.
What happens if we get stuck?
You can always ask for hints, or the answer to a specific clue, or to skip to the next restaurant directly. Each one comes with a different time penalty. (There's a timer as you play, but the timer always stops when you reach restaurants so you can enjoy your food peacefully!)
Can we start a Food Escape any time we want?
Pretty much! Once you've bought an Escape, you'll be sent a link to the booking portal to pick a date and time.
There are a wide range of times available to start from early through to late night. We work with restaurants with long opening hours so it's fully flexible for you.
If you need to reschedule for any reason, you can do so an unlimited number of times up to midnight the night before your booking free of charge.
Do we need a special app to play?
You just need WhatsApp. That's all.
Can we go at our own pace?
The game does have a timer and a leaderboard at the end, but you can move through the experience as slowly as you There are no time limits on individual clues, so you can take things at your own pace. The clock is there for those who enjoy the competition. (we love it!)
How long does the experience take?
Typically around 2.5 hours, depending on your pace.
About the Food
What food is included?
3 dishes across 3 different restaurants in the city, all in line with the theme of Food Escape that you choose.
Do I have any choice in what I eat?
To a degree, yes.
At some stops you can choose elements like your protein/vegetarian etc, and at others there’s a small choice of their best items. Some stops include a set dish we’ve curated and tested to fit the overall experience.
Food Escapes has been designed by a food-obsessed foodie who loves food(!) so we are very sure you'll enjoy the food along the way.
I have dietary requirements, can you accommodate them?
Yes. On our All Escapes page, use the filters to enter your dietary requirements. It will only show you Escapes which are suitable to your dietary needs.
After purchase when you place your booking, you will have an opportunity to further enter dietary requirements.
Part of playing a Food Escape is discovering new restaurants and dishes along the way, but we get this can be stressful for those with strict allergies. If you'd like to know the exact food you'll be eating first, please contact our customer service and we'll help.
Will restaurants know about our dietary needs in advance?
Yes, when you make your booking, you will have the opportunity to enter dietary requirements. You should also inform the restaurant when you are there.
Booking & Practical Info
How do I book an experience?
Food Escapes are like vouchers. You first buy the voucher for the number of people you want. Then after purchase you book a date and time any time in the next 12 months after purchase. It means it's completely flexible to when you want to do it.
Can I buy this as a gift?
Absolutely. Once purchased, you can go into your account section and click the 'Send as Gift' button to send it to someone else.
What happens if the weather is bad?
You can reschedule for any reason whatsoever up to midnight the night before, but the experience runs in all weather conditions, so dress appropriately if you go ahead!
Can I change or reschedule my booking?
Yes, you can reschedule for any reason whatsoever up to midnight the night before your booking. Do so in the account section of the website by cancelling the booking, and rebooking it for your desired time.
What happens if I’m running late?
Don't worry, turn up when you can and start the game then.
What should I bring on the day?
A fully charged smartphone, comfortable walking shoes and weather appropriate clothing.
