Farmers’ & Producers’ Market
The twice-monthly Farmers’ & Producers’ Market at Piccadilly Gardens is the place to buy food that has been -raised, caught or baked locally. Make sure you visit the markets regularly to see what new produce is on offer, there is always a wide variety of fresh meats available. Other delicious products on sale are jams, bread, a vast range of cheeses and dairy products, herbs and spices, marinated olives, specialist ales and fine English wines. Treat yourself to the tasty selection of farm baked cakes, pies, farmhouse chocolates and fudge or why not buy your lunch from the market? Choose from freshly made soups, smoothies, burgers, Caribbean patties and sausages.
Manchester Fine Food Market at St. Ann’s Square, which boasts a range of specialty food either cooked on site at one of the market restaurants or available to take away. Try delicious black pudding, smoked fish, fresh meat, chutneys and cheeses, washed down with regional ales. See the Manchester Markets website for dates.
Fashion Market
If you are looking for individual and unique pieces at affordable prices then the Manchester Fashion Market is the place to visit! It is the first dedicated fashion market in the North West and houses the latest up and coming designers from Manchester. The market supports these designers giving them the opportunity to showcase their talent in a city centre location. You will find clothes, lingerie, bags, purses, hats and jewelry giving you the chance to buy one off independent label designs at reasonable prices. Open every Saturday on Tib Street.
Manchester Arndale Market
This market is situated in a fantastic new market hall on High Street and is now open 7 days a week. There are 2 sides of the market – one side featuring stalls selling fashion, accessories, mobile phones, gifts and services including clothing repairs, shoe repairs, key cutting, hairdressers and nail bars. The other side is food hall with a wide selection of regional and international produce including a charcuterie, bakery specialist ales stall, fruit and vegetables and a fantastic fishmonger. Have lunch in one of the many café’s – choose from Brazilian, Chinese, English, Greek, Indian, Italian and Polish.
Affleck’s Palace
If it’s alternative market gear you’re after you need to make a beeline for the Northern Quarter, and enter the funky floors of Affleck’s Palace shopping arcade on Church Street. Be sure to give yourself lots of time, because it’s a browser’s heaven. From groovy second-hand clothing to quirky music and off-the-wall jewelry, it’s all here. The atmosphere is laid-back and easy. Don’t think you’ll get away with a quick pre-lunch flit – this place needs dedicated shopping time!
Playing shop
Where better to sell arty things than to set up shop in a theatre? The craft shop at the Royal Exchange Theatre did just this in 1981 and is now famous for its collectible ceramics, contemporary glass, wood, metal and textiles, and an ever-popular stock of gorgeous jewelry. There’s even a craft shop gallery these days, housing the bigger textiles and wall pieces. Can’t decide? Start with a greetings card - there are tons to choose from.
Army rations
The Imperial War Museum North is a shining contemporary structure down at the Quays, just two miles from the city centre. Shop goodies are based around the museum’s basic theme of the wartime history: you can get military books, silverware, camouflage items and replica Ministry of Food ration books, plus lots of stuff for kids as well.
