No matter the weather, all we wanna do is eat, drink, repeat. But with our newfound excitement comes ample arguments over where to eat – which is where the beauty of food halls comes in. Fancy bao buns but your mate wants pizza? These super social spots are perfect for eliminating those food-related fights. Here’s our guide to the best food halls and markets to try in and around Manchester.
The best food halls and markets in Manchester
1. Society MCR
Society MCR opened in 2021, with Northern brewery Vocation at the helm. The taproom and food hall has a number of spaces to enjoy throughout the venue, including the bustling food hall (complete with communal-style benches for reunions with friends), an outdoor patio, a lounge area, a Vocation bar and a mezzanine. There, guests can expect vendors such as Vocation themselves, Noi Quattro pizza, Slap and Pickles burgers, Manzoku Street Food and more.
📍 Society MCR, 100 Barbirolli Square, M2 3BD.
2. Mackie Mayor
Restoring the former Smithfield Market and creating a busy, atmospheric dining destination for Mancs to enjoy, Mackie Mayor has long been one of the most popular food halls in Manchester – with bars, coffee shops and restaurants to enjoy inside. Situated in the Northern Quarter, guests can enjoy tacos, pizzas, wines, fried chicken, succulent beef and so much more, with tons of vendors to try during your visit. This one’s been voted the best food hall in the UK several times, and we can see why.
📍 Mackie Mayor, 1 Eagle St, M4 5BU.
3. Freight Island
Freight Island is one of the most impressive venues in the city – spanning a huge outdoor area at Depot Mayfield, as well as taking up residence inside, too. Changing at every turn, visitors can sprawl out on the bleachers in the sun, hideaway under their botanical gazebo, chill out inside with seriously cool warehouse vibes, or get right in the mix of it all outdoors by the bars and food vendors. The venue hosts regular events and live music, with NYC-style pizza, juicy burgers, BBQ, cheesecake on sticks, craft beers and so much more on offer.
📍 Freight Island, 11 Baring St, M1 2PZ.
4. GRUB MCR
A weekly street food event taking place at Red Bank, GRUB MCR is a fantastic destination for foodie lovers – with a little something for everyone, as well as ever-changing cuisines on offer. Keeping independents at the heart of what they do, GRUB is the perfect place if you like trying new things – with both indoor and outdoor seating available to enjoy. Expect Plant Powered Sundays, baked sweet treats and cuisines varying from Chinese and Mexican to Sri Lankan and Japanese.
📍 GRUB MCR, 50 Red Bank, Cheetham Hill, M4 4HF.
5. Arndale Market
Arndale Market is one of the food halls in Manchester which has a special place in our hearts. Every lunch break, it’s been consistently there for us, and over the years, it’s kind of acted like a springboard of success for local food vendors. You’ll find the likes of Just Natas, Viet Shack, and Dunkin’ Burgers currently enjoying residence at the busy foodie spot.
📍 Arndale Market, 49 High St, M4 3AH.
6. New Century
Opening in the NOMA area of the city near Victoria station, New Century is one of the newest food halls in Manchester yet it has quite the history behind it as a legendary gig venue. New Century has hosted acts including Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones, The Bee Gees and Tina Turner, but it is now a new live music, events and social destination, retaining its original 60s “disco ceiling”. The food hall has a bottomless brunch offering with all traders getting involved Vietnamese cuisine heroes Banh Vi, Manchester pizza giants Wild by Ply and burger and steak legend Tallow.
📍 New Century, 34 Hanover St M4 4AH.
The best food halls and markets in Greater Manchester
7. Altrincham Market
The sister site to Mackie Mayor, Altrincham Market – more commonly known as Alty Market – offers a similar experience to Mackie Mayor, with a lively atmosphere and fantastic local food traders. Food-wise, guests can expect coffees, pizzas, traditional brunch dishes, burgers, donuts, burritos and tacos – with both a lovely outdoor terrace to enjoy and an indoor market, too.
📍 Altrincham Market, Greenwood St, Altrincham, WA14 1SA.
8. Stockport Produce Hall
A produce hall with a century-long history, Stockport‘s The Produce Hall has brought back to life the town’s old market hall – giving locals a lively place to go for coffees, food, locally-brewed beers and more. Maintaining a number of original features, the architecturally beautiful building can now be seen bustling with people every week – with a lovely bar and fresh food served from vendors such as Mamma G’s, La Capilla and Fat Louis/Poco Mas.
📍 The Produce Hall, 24A Market Pl, Stockport, SK1 1EU.
9. Radcliffe Market
Located north of Manchester towards Bury is community owned and run market hall Radcliffe Market offering everything under one roof, whether it’s a light supper, a romantic meal or a night out with friends. As well as serving up food from nine different traders Radcliffe Market also offers a great shopping experience supporting independent businesses and you can even get a haircut or clothes alterations inside. From spicy Punjabi cuisine from Mogul to wood-fired pizzas from Dough So Good, roasts from The Hungry Bulldog to sweet waffles from Cowshed, there’s plenty for you to fill your boots.
📍 Radcliffe Market, 11 Blackburn St, Radcliffe, M26 1PN.
10. Kargo MKT
Part of the exciting new development at Quayside MediaCity offering waterfront dining and drinking Kargo MKT launched in late 2023. The Central Bay complex in Salford houses the Kargo food hall and market and boasts a host of kitchens serving an array of food and drink to get stuck into. Food traders include Ad Maiora, Tang’s Hot Pot, Rio Mex, Baity, Nori, What’s Your Beef, Leopard Pie, Vnam, Boba Cha, Bab K and Nila’s Burmese Kitchen – you won’t go hungry here!
📍 Kargo, Central Bay, Salford Quays, M50 3XW.