There are lots of new street food markets popping up but Mackie Mayor stands head and shoulders above the rest. Situated in Manchester's hip Northern Quarter, you can forget wrapping up in a thick coat or donning your winter gloves so you can hold a cold pint because Mackie Mayor is indoors. Set inside a grade II listed building this former market was stood derelict for years until it was renovated and turned into a foodie mecca. A decorative glass roof stands over the central eating area which is surrounded by 9 independent kitchens serving a variety of delicious street food. There are also a handful of bars and all share the communal tables in the centre. The old brickwork and pillars have been exposed to create a stylish modern space which is Insta-worthy all by itself. The balcony running around the edges gives another cool place to sit and people watch while inhaling the mouth water aromas from the kitchens below.
One of my favourite things to come out of lockdown was ordering from an app at your table. No longer do you need to queue in line waiting to be served, just download the Alt Eats app and relax at your table. There is no need to book just turn up and choose a seat. It was fairly busy when we visited but we found plenty of space without sitting too close to other customers but the communal bench seats add to the atmosphere as you are surrounded by a warm friendly crowd. I surprised at the range of ages and there was a real mixture of people from all walks of life but the vibe is very much a hipster crowd.
We ordered from New Wave Ramen and Mummas Fried Chicken but I honestly could have had something from every stand. We sneaked a look as dishes came out to the tables around us and the one thing they all seemed to have in common was they looked gorgeous. It was clear a lot of care and attention had gone into every dish so clearly someone did a good job of only selecting the best food vendors. Here's what we ordered
Lamb Tantanmen Ramen. Spicy sesame infused soup, slow cooked lamb shoulder, chilli oil and togarashi spice. This was the best Ramen I've ever had, it was so rich and spicy and the meat melted in your mouth
Buffalo and Blue Burger. Proper fried chicken, marinated for 12 hours and fried twice so it's extra juicy and extra crispy. This was topped with buffalo sauce, lettuce, blue cheese sauce and thick pickles. Very messy but totally delicious.
We enjoyed some refreshing craft ale at Jack in the Box who had a massive selection of local and world ale and cider. Then later we couldn't resist some wine tasting at Reserve Wines. It's open from 9am until 10pm on a Saturday and I could have stayed and enjoyed breakfast, lunch and dinner which I actually might do next time we visit!
Here is a full list of the current vendors
Pico's Tacos - Homemade tortillas, tacos, frozen margaritas and the best nachos in the north!
Chilli B Thai - Honest Thai street food
Tendor Cow - Rare breed grass fed beef.
New Wave Ramen - Ramen. Crafted in the north
Mumma's Fried Chicken - Fried chicken burgers & wings
Atkinson's - Speciality Coffee Roasters and Tea Merchants since 1837
Honest Crust - Seasonal sourdough pizza, outstanding ingredients, rooted in the NW of England
Jack in the Box - Award winning real ale & cider bar. Keg, cask, still ciders, sharing bottles, cans
Reserve Wines - Wines, spirits and spritz!
Like me you might be curious about the unusual name. Mackie Mayor is named after the Mayor of Manchester, Alderman Ivie Mackie, who opened the flagship meat market in 1858.
Opening Hours
Saturday 9am–10pm
Sunday 9am–6pm
Monday Closed
Tuesday 11am–10pm
Wednesday 11am–10pm
Thursday 11am–10pm
Friday 11am–10pm
To plan your visit head to the Mackie Mayor Instagram page or click any of the vendors above >>>
August 2021
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