It’s no secret that we haven’t been travelling abroad much this year – and it’s no secret as to why that is, either.
The good old summer holiday has taken a bit of a beating, but we are still just as ready for a break and a change of scenery as ever, if not more so (OK, definitely more so) this year.
But there are thankfully a few options available for us to leave the worries behind for a bit.
1) Buy a tent, and brave the great outdoors, along with weather that’s about as unpredictable as ‘them in charge’.
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2) Book an apartment out of town somewhere, running the risk of rule changes while you’re away – potentially ending up room-bound in an unfamiliar town or city (there are only so many times you can check the mini-fridge after all).
3) Save yourself the travel and find somewhere local – where the destination is so beautiful and comfortable that you won’t have any need to leave until it’s time to make the short journey home.
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We went with option 3, and booked into the Stock Exchange Hotel, which threw its grand doors open to the public last year.
The hotel occupies the former Manchester Stock Exchange on Norfolk Street (between King St and Market St) just a minute’s walk away from the madness of Manchester’s main shopping district.
Stepping into the high-ceiling reception hall feels like walking into another world.
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There are neat references to the building’s history throughout the hotel – which has been lovingly restored to a magnificent standard with original marble, brass and exquisite woodwork. The hotel is part of the Relais & Châteaux portfolio and has 40 rooms, including two signature suites and a stunning 3,500 square foot penthouse.
We were warmly welcomed by the concierge, who had a short checklist to run through during check-in to ensure that we understood the new Covid-secure practices; it was professional, friendly and reassuring.
Once that was done, we were shown up to our room and given a mini history lesson along the way from the very attentive Aiden. He pointed out historic documents and old menus, whilst telling us (among other facts) that the Stock Exchange was built in the early 1900’s in what was then the 9th most populous city in the world.
Our room was grand but super-comfortable. Every inch had been thought through and just screamed luxury. The huge bed dominated the room, and hidden at the foot was a pop-up TV, which also rotated(!) – giving us the choice between lazing in bed, or using the remote to spin it round and sit on the sofa.
By far the highlight though, was the bathroom.
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It was just incredible: white marble throughout, with stylish black and gold fittings. This, coupled with underfloor heating and a bath so big it borders on obscene, really drives home the super-luxe feeling.
Once we had fiddled with all the settings, spun the telly round a few times and warmed our feet on the bathroom floor, we headed down to the Bull and Bear restaurant which boasts having chef Tom Kerridge at the helm.
We headed down slightly earlier than our reservation to grab a drink at the bar and take in the extraordinary voice of Yemi Bolatiwa as part of The Soul Carousel for the recently launched Soul Sundays and it was just perfect, the most gorgeous Sunday afternoon vibe. But the best was yet to come.
We were seated right in front of the open kitchen at one of the huge booth tables – giving us plenty of space, but not feeling like it was forced. The vibe in the dining room was great, and watching a well-tuned kitchen work away is always a pleasure.
I dined at the Bull & Bear when it first opened, and I feel like it has really evolved since then. The big wall-mounted TVs are still on for evening service but display digital works of art (instead of news/sport) to complement the decor – much less intrusive than I remember from my first visit, and a really smart addition.
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The Sunday set menu changes weekly but the staples I imagine stay the same. The offering was varied and interesting but everything you would want from a Sunday roast.
To start, I went for Potted Cornish Crab with Smoked Paprika Butter and Cucumber Chutney, while “he” opted for a Ham & Chicken Terrine, served with a slab of toasted sourdough and “Puckalilli” – a zingy, smooth twist on of the nation’s most underrated condiments. We followed with Rotisserie-cooked Dovecote Top Rump, Roast Potatoes and Horseradish Cream, and Roast Pork Belly with Apple Sauce and Roast Potatoes.
You can tell the quality of the produce with every bite – nothing is compromised here – and while the starters were delicious, it was the roasts that were the real winner.
We decided to order pretty much all the sides too, because y’know – it’s the weekend, and the whole meal was just an utter joy to eat. Shout out to the B&B chips with the Gerkin Ketchup; an absolute revelation and the most perfect accompaniment to the already delectable roast beef and pork belly.
What really made the experience was the service. The staff were all so lovely and seemed to really enjoy what they were doing, often they would pop over to check in and have a little chat, with nothing feeling at all forced.
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Our evening was made all-the-more special by sommelier Raff, who along with being thoroughly knowledgeable and very charming, allowed us to try a 1971 dessert wine served through a Coravin pourer: A real, rare treat. His passion for wine was palpable and clearly showed – we got the feeling he would be equally excitable upon finding any guest with similar interests.
Bull & Bear Restaurant
After our enthusiasm with the sides, you might assume dessert was off the cards – but no. The Beef Suet Sticky Toffee Pudding with Vanilla Ice Cream was heavenly – rich and flavoursome without being cloying, and the Colston Bassett Eccles Cakes with Chutney are an absolute masterpiece. Little bites of shortcrust pastry packed with delicious stewed currants – alongside the perfect amount of creamy blue cheese and chutney.
The roast is priced at 2 Courses £34.50 or 3 Courses £39 and even though it may seem at the steeper end of the pricing scale, it’s well worth it. The whole meal was faultless – and with live music in the background and wonderful service, I can’t think of a better way to spend a rainy Sunday afternoon.
Being right in the heart of the city is a real treat – we were close to some of our favourite bars, so felt obliged to nip out and support them by buying some post-dinner drinks. Having to be “home” by 10pm was almost a benefit as well, giving us the perfect reason to retire to our comfortable and cosy room and be up for a breakfast (which was just as impressive as our evening meal).
We went a little lighter this time round – Manchester-smoked salmon and eggs, served atop sourdough from Pollen bakery in Ancoats, and Staffordshire Oat Cakes with rotisserie bacon and cheese. Both were a triumph, and complimented by a couple of beautifully-presented and delicious coffees.
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If you want to really treat yourself like we did, The Stock Exchange have added a Soul Sunday package to their list of “Exclusive Experiences”, which includes a 3 course meal from the set menu as well as overnight accommodation (with a complimentary room upgrade, subject to availability) and a hearty breakfast in The Bull & Bear to get your Monday off to a flying start too.
I urge you to leave your Covid worries behind and support local by staying local, check out all that Stock Exchange and Bull & Bear have to offer here and I can assure you, you will love every second as we did.
If there is one thing us Brits have got down to a tee, it is how to spend a Sunday properly.
Go on, try and name a better way to spend the end of your weekend than heading out for some seriously hearty food and a pint with loved ones – I’ll wait.
There truly is nothing more comforting than a proper roast, especially as we head into the depths of winter and one thing is for certain – the UK is absolutely spoilt for choice on where to get a fix of this absolutely timeless meal. The question is where is serving the best?
While everyone argues over whose local is better, global travel site Big 7 Travel, decided to put it to the test.
Every year, they thoroughly investigate this pressing issue for us and release their list of The 25 Best Sunday Roasts in the UK, judging everything from quaint countryside pubs to inventive city-centre restaurants.
Their strict marking criteria covers everything from how the meat and trimmings are cooked, to how much care goes into sourcing ingredients.
They’ll also take into account what other diners say about the Sunday lunch, the atmosphere, and value for money.
This year our beloved Elnecot, nestled in the heart of Ancoats, did us proud being named the sixth best Sunday roast in the UK.
Elnecot in Ancoats is a neighbourhood favouriteThe Sunday roast at Elnecot has been named one of the best in the UK
It is clear to see why – with their killer Sunday roast serving a delicious selection of starters, followed by a choice of dry aged native topside; slow-roasted shoulder of Yorkshire lamb; lemon, thyme and butter roasted confit chicken leg; crispy, slow-roasted Yorkshire pork belly; or a nut and squash roast.
All accompanied by the crispiest roast potatoes, giant Yorkshire puddings, pork/vegan stuffing, roasted carrots, parsnips, sautéed greens, broccoli cheese and gravy.
Not to mention their mouth-watering extras such as truffle broccoli cheese, buttered greens in confit garlic or a beef shin stuffed Yorkshire pudding.
Oh – and only the best desserts selection you can imagine to follow, consisting of a burnt Basque cheesecake with mixed berries, sticky toffee pudding with vanilla ice cream, butterscotch tiramisu, an affogato or even an ice cream sundae – by this point we we’re drooling too don’t worry.
This year, the top 10 included some pretty big names making this even more of an achievement for Elnecot:
The Hawthorn – Haworth
Kyloe – Edinburgh
The Camberwell Arms – Southwark, London
Coorie Inn – Crieff
Impossible Restaurant & Wonderbar – York
Elnecot – Manchester
The Horse & Groom – Bourton-on-the-Hill
Blacklock – Soho, London
The Abbey Inn – Byland
Skein – Nottingham
Now all that’s left to do is go and try them all out for ourselves – what a shame.
The best food and drink to enjoy at the Manchester Christmas Markets 2026
Daisy Jackson
The Manchester Christmas Markets has developed a more diverse food and drink offering every single year since its inception.
Long gone are the days where all there was to eat was a bratwurst served off a swing grill, or a mound of garlic potatoes (though those do still exist, and still serve their purpose).
Now, the Manchester Christmas Markets are packed to the rafters with local traders and brilliant independent businesses serving food from all the way across the globe.
This year, there are more than 200 stalls spread across 10 locations, so we’ve whizzed round them all to find where the very best food and drink traders are lurking.
From viral hits like fried chicken waffle sandwiches and croissant pots, to new taste sensations like a cheese fondue served in an edible bowl, there’s plenty to fill you up.
Pie and mash from Great North Pie Co – King Street
The 14 hour braised beef and ale pieA Lancashire cheese and onion pie, with extra gravy
Back for a second go at the Manchester Christmas Markets is Great North Pie Co., serving the absolute perfect winter warmer food on King Street.
You’ve often be able to pick up their award-winning pies here, but usually to take home and heat up yourself.
Now, they’re available piping hot, on a bed of mash with lashings of gravy. The Lancashire cheese and onion is world-class, and if you ask nicely they might have a suet pudding for you too.
Prices – £9 for pie, £4 for mash, £2 for gravy
Fondue in a bread bowl – Cathedral Gardens
Fondue at the Manchester Christmas Markets. Credit: The Manc Group
What could be better than a bowl of melted cheese? A bowl of melted cheese where the bowl is made of sourdough bread, obviously…
Fondue is a newcomer to the Manchester Christmas Markets, serving up the Alpine food classic with a festive twist.
Your cheese fondue is served with dipping croutons and pickles, then topped with things like hot honey chicken, or pulled duck and cranberry sauce.
Prices – between £12.50 and £14.50 for a fondue bowl; £4.50 for a side of potatoes
Crème brûlée French toast from HK Toast – King Street
We love a Christmas Markets snack with a side of fire, and HK Toast is back doing exactly that.
They’re taking classic deep-fried Hong Kong-style French toast, then topping it with a load of different flavours like Cantonese egg tart, crunchy pistachio, and peaches and cream – plus their new theatrical torched crème brûlée offering.
These guys were one of our favourite traders from last year and things are only getting hotter.
Prices – £9.50
Yorkshire pudding wraps from Porky Pig – Exchange Square
Yorkshire pudding wrap and a loaded bowl from Porky PigDeep fried pigs in blankets with melted camembert
These guys have been part of the Manchester Christmas Markets for donkeys years now, and are still always going to pull in a queue.
Porky Pig serve up all your classic roast dinner bits – carvery meat, veggies, stuffing and gravy – inside a gigantic Yorkshire pudding wrap.
But they don’t stop there – you’ll also find carvery boxes, battered pigs in blankets, meat barms, and all sorts of other bits.
Prices – from £10.50 for a Yorkshire pudding wrap
Cheese skirt dumplings from Hot Dumplings – St Ann’s Square
Hot Dumplings at the Manchester Christmas Markets
The latest concept from our favourites at Oi Dumplings is Hot Dumplings, where you can get piping hot trays of gyoza and dumplings to go.
A real highlight is the chilli cheese skirt chicken gyoza, which are all stuck together with a crispy, cheesy bottom, and the warming chicken soup dumplings.
Don’t forget to add lashings of crispy chilli oil and dumpling vinegar for one of the best bites of food at the Manchester Christmas Markets.
Prices – £9, including three sauces and toppings
Deep fried mince pies from Yard & Coop – St Ann’s Square
Deep-fried mince pies from Yard & Coop. Credit: The Manc Group
Yard & Coop just love a deep-fried bit of nonsense, and this year, that’s a deep-fried mince pie.
Alongside their usual chicken and fries trays, the Northern Quarter fried chicken icons are now serving up a battered festive dessert, too.
Warning – the inside will be hotter than the surface of the sun, which is actually just what you want after freezing your butt off at the Christmas Markets.
Prices – £4
Tiramisu from Misu – Market Street
Misu Tiramisu at the Manchester Christmas Markets
These were one of the really big food hitters from the Manchester Christmas Markets last year, so you’ll be pleased to see Misu have made a return.
This time, they’ll be selling their tiny tiramisu drawers from Market Street, with loads of different flavours to choose from.
Whether you’re a classic coffee gal or are fancying a seasonal special like gingerbread, salted caramel pretzel, or orange chocolate, there’ll be something to tickle your fancy here.
Prices – between £8 and £9
Croissants from Flat Baker – Albert Square
Flat Baker’s new Albert Square bakery stall. Credit: The Manc Group
Flat Baker opens at the Manchester Christmas Markets and the people flock to it like a moth to a flame – and this year looks set to be no different.
Debs and the team have got a prime spot on Albert Square, and for the first time in history, they’ve built a mini bakery inside their market stall.
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That means you can watch them rolling and folding their phenomenal festive treats, from their viral croissant pots to bakes like a gingerbread cinnamon roll, pecan danish, a smores croissant pudding slice, a chocolate orange Danish, and loads more.
Prices – Between £3 and £6.95
Fried chicken waffles from Waffle Kart – King Street
Waffle Kart are back at the Manchester Christmas Markets 2026. Credit: The Manc Group
These guys surely need no introduction – Waffle Kart is one of those stalls that will send a queue halfway down King Street every single year.
Look out for the screaming rubber chicken stuck to the outside of their wooden shed, and you’ll find their incredible pickle-brined fried chicken dishes.
Expect chilli crisp sandwiches with waffles for bread, Szechaun chicken, and loaded waffles too.
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Prices – between £11.95 and £14.95 for mains
Birria tacos from Fuego – Lincoln Square and Exchange Square
Fuego at the Manchester Christmas Markets. Credit: The Manc Group
A favourite at the now-lost Piccadilly Street Food Market, Fuego are here for the coming weeks with two locations at the Manchester Christmas Markets.
Expect phenomenal birria tacos stuffed with slow-cooked meat, as well as their ultimate winter warmer, a pot of birria ramen.
They’re part of the new food-focused area on Lincoln Square as well as sandwiched in right next to the ever-busy Porky Pig.
The Manc -
29th October 2020 
