Over recent years, food halls have been popping up all over Greater Manchester. The concept is simple – they bring together several food and drink vendors, usually local and independent businesses, under one roof, offering guests much more variety than traditional restaurants.
The trend in Manchester appears to have started with Altrincham Market, opened in 2014. Since then, several have opened in the city centre and surrounding towns, such as Stretford, Sale and Stockport.
Last week alone, plans for new food halls were announced at Salford Quays and First Street in the city centre. Elsewhere, it looks like Wythenshawe, Bolton and Oldham will also be welcoming food halls to their town centres in the near future.
Here’s a round-up of some of the existing food halls in Greater Manchester and what you can expect from them.
1. Mackie Mayor
Mackie Mayor occupies Grade II-listed former Smithfield Market on Swan St and is run by the team behind Altrincham Market. Credit: Marketing Manchester. | Marketing Manchester
2. Freight Island
Freight Island opened in 2020 as part of the massive regeneration project at Depot Mayfield. | ugc pr
3. Stockport Produce Hall
Opened in 2019, Stockport’s Produce Hall has six food vendors and a “beer-focused” bar. The Grade II-listed building has room for 150 people. Credit: Google Maps | Google Maps
4. GRUB
GRUB has had several homes over the years, including Depot Mayfield. It has now found a permanent base at Red Bank, Cheetham Hill, on the outskirts of the city centre. As well as a regular rotation of dozens of vendors, GRUB also boasts a mini cinema and stage for performances and screenings. Credit: Google Maps | Google Maps