153 years ago this week, central Manchester’s high-security prison opened its doors for the first time.
HM Prison Manchester – which is commonly referred to as Strangeways by all that know it, which was its former official name derived from the area it’s located, until it was rebuilt following the major riots in 1990 – was declared open on 25 June 1868.
Built to replace the New Bailey Prison in Salford which closed in 1868, Strangeways was famously designed by architect Alfred Waterhouse.
With construction said to cost in the region of £170,000, the eye-catching Grade II listed building has the capacity to hold 1,000 inmates and is instantly recognisable to Mancunians primarily thanks to its 234 feet (71 m) ventilation tower – which is often mistaken for a watchtower, and has become a local landmark.
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The prison’s walls are rumoured to be 16 feet thick, and are said to be impenetrable from both the inside and the out.
Because of this, Strangeways has been home to some pretty notorious inmates over the years.
From some of the UK’s most-prolific serial killers, to television personalities, Premier League footballers and more, here’s a handful of famous faces who’ve spent time behind bars at Strangeways during its 153 year history.
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Harold Shipman
Harold Shipman was held at Strangeways in 1998 / Credit: Biography
Harold Shipman remains to this day one of Britain’s most prolific serial killers.
Serving as a GP at a medical centre in Hyde, Shipman often targeted the elderly by injecting them with lethal doses of diamorphine, resulting in a victim number thought to be between 215 and 260 people over a 23 year killing spree – which is one of the worst ever documented.
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Shipman was eventually arrested on 7 September 1998, and was held in Strangeways.
His trial took place at Preston Crown Court in 1999, where it took four months to find him guilty of just 15 cases of murder, and he was sentenced to 15 life sentences.
Ian Brady
Ian Brady served a three month stint at Strangeways prior to the Moors Murders / Credit: Biography
Ian Brady is most-known as one half of Britain’s infamous killing pair, The Moors Murderers.
Many will know that Brady and Myra Hindley devastatingly murdered five innocent children between 12 July 1963 and 6 October 1965 and buried their bodies in the vast landscape of the Saddleworth Moors, which eventually led to Brady being found guilty of three murders and sentenced to life imprisonment.
Prior to all of this though, within a year of moving to Manchester, Brady was caught with a sack full of lead seals that he had stolen and was trying to smuggle out of the market.
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He was subsequently sent to Strangeways for three months.
Joey Barton
Joey Barton served 74 days of a six month sentence / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Former Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton’s prolific football career and life have been marked by numerous controversial incidents and disciplinary problems over the years, as well as two convictions for violent crimes.
On 20 May 2008, Barton was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment after pleading guilty for common assault and affray during an incident in Liverpool city centre.
Barton served 74 days of this prison term at Strangeways, being released on 28 July 2008.
Ian Brown
Stone Roses frontman Ian Brown was sentenced to four months imprisonment in 1998 / Credit: YouTube
One of the more well-known names to serve a stint behind bars at Strangeways is Stone Roses’ frontman, Ian Brown.
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Brown was charged for threatening behaviour towards a British Airways flight attendant and captain, and was sentenced to four months in the summer of 1998.
He served only two months of his sentence at Strangeways, and admitted that while locked up, he wrote three songs – including ‘Free My Way’.
David Dickinson
Credit: ITV
Another one of the more surprising Strangeways residents comes in the form of Cheadle Heath-born antiques expert and television personality, David Dickinson – who you’ll probably recognise as the host of Bargain Hunt and Dickinson’s Real Deal.
Believe it or not, at the tender age of just 19 years old, Dickinson served three years of a four-year prison sentence for mail-order fraud, with the majority of that sentence being spent at Strangeways.
Dickinson has since described this time as “horrendous”, and that he’s learned to “take it on the chin and accept it was his own fault”.
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Dale Cregan
Dale Cregan is one of Manchester’s most notorious killers / Credit: Greater Manchester Police
Undeniably one of Manchester’s most notorious killers of this century is one-eyed murderer Dale Cregan.
He began his life of crime from an early age dealing drugs, but then notably turned to gun crime by first shooting Mark Short in the Cotton Tree Pub in Droylsden and attempting to kill three other men, before violently murdering Short’s father a few months later.
He then made national headlines when he tricked two female police officers to a property in Mottram in Longendale by reporting a burglary, before ambushing them with gunfire and a grenade which murdered them both.
Greater Manchester’s chief constable Peter Fahy called the attack “cold-blooded murder”, and then Prime minister David Cameron said it was a “despicable act of pure evil”.
Cregan handed himself in and was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a whole life order on June 13 2013.
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Emily Davison
Suffragette Emily Davison was detained at Strangeways twice / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Suffragette Emily Davison was detained at Strangeways twice as a result of her efforts for the women’s rights movements during the early twentieth century.
Her first stint was for disrupting a meeting with Chancellor David Lloyd George and throwing rocks at the windows, and during this imprisonment, she famously went on a significant hunger strike, which resulted in her losing 21 pounds.
She was released just five and a half days later.
Her second Strangeways stint came just two months after, again for throwing stones, and lasted two and a half days.
Paul Taylor
Paul Taylor was the ringleader of the infamous 1990 Strangeways Prison riots / Credit: Merseyside Police
Unlike the other people on this list, it was Paul Taylor’s actions during his time inside Strangeways rather than prior that have ensured his name is written in the prison’s history books.
It all started when a visiting Church of England preacher had just delivered the sermon, and the prison chaplain stood to thank him before Taylor took the microphone and addressed the congregation.
Over the course of 25-days, the riots – which are still the longest in British prison riot history, with one prisoner killed, and 147 prison officers and 47 prisoners injured – spread throughout much of the prison, and Taylor famously ended up on the roof.
Much of the prison was damaged or destroyed, with the cost of repairs coming to £55 million.
Featured Image – Wikimedia Commons / Biography
Feature
The best places to watch the World Cup in Manchester
Danny Jones
Kick-off in Qatar 2022 is almost upon us and with Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions looking to bring home a trophy, Mancs are right to be wondering where to watch the World Cup in Manchester.
International tournaments are always a special occasion we eagerly await to come around and while we’re sure you could walk into any old pub and enjoy yourself, there are some seriously good venues showing Qatar 2022 this winter.
So, with that in mind, we thought we’d put together a list of the best places to watch the World Cup in Manchester. You’re welcome.
Where to watch the 2022 World Cup in Manchester
First up…
Road to Victory/Festival of Football, Depot Mayfield
Credit: Road to Victory
Probably one of the most unique venues you could ever hope to watch live football beyond inside the ground itself, Road to Victory is not only Europe’s largest fan zone, boasting a capacity of more than 10,000 people across three rooms and a truly immersive experience.
Set up by AIX Live in Depot Mayfield, this special World Cup event is the first of its kind, promising dynamic audio-visual presentation in big match moments, interactive games and quizzes, as well as all the food and drink you could hope for. Trust us, it’s quite something.
You also have the Festival of Football next door at Escape to Freight for a more open and family-friendly experience, not to mention free entry for the family zone. Mayfield just gets better and better. You can find tickets for Road to Victory here as well as find out more about the Festival of Football.
Victoria Warehouse, Trafford
Credit: Victoria Warehouse x Red Square
Victoria Warehouse’s Red Square has played host to hordes of United fans for years and now the massive indoor supporter space is turning into one of Manchester’s biggest fan parks for Qatar 2022 as well. You love to see it.
With room for more than 1,000 people and tickets for just £2 a pop, not to mention being more than used to catering for hundreds of rowdy football fans on a regular basis, this place is sure to be bouncing.
The Love Factory, Green Quarter
Credit: Love Factory Manchester
One of the most exciting new additions to Manchester has landed just in time for the World Cup. The Love Factory has been built inside a huge warehouse on the industrial outskirts of the city, featuring World Cup games on a huge indoor central screen and projectors throughout the venue.
As well as street food from local traders like Ate Days A Week, who’ll create a rotation of pie fillings inspired by each nation competing in the tournament, there’ll also be a huge exhibition of World Cup kits from Classic Football Shirts. You can find out more about Love Factory here.
New Century Hall, NOMA
Credit: The Manc Group
As one of the newest venues in Manchester city centre, New Century Hall is turning its late-night entertainment venue and 70s aesthetic into one of the coolest places to watch England go for gold.
New Century stretches across three beautiful floors, with a wonderful selection of booze and food traders on the ground floor as well as the large live music and events spaces upstairs. Better still, you’ll have Sadler’s Yard on your doorstep for when the street celebrations start. Find out more here.
Pong & Puck, Great Northern
Credit: It’s Me Louis Photography
Looking for somewhere a little more central? Pong & Puck at Great Northern Warehouse might be growing a reputation as one of the best games and activities bars in town but its big projector also makes it a great spot to watch the footy.
The table tennis and beer pong tables will also provide you with a healthy distraction at half-time, not to mention the perfect place to kick the drinking games into gear when we inevitably fly our way through the group stage. You even get a free welcome drink. Say no more, book in now.
Walkabout, Printworks
Credit: Walkabout
Going to an Aussie pub and restaurant to cheer on the boys in an international tournament might sound a bit odd, but Walkabout just happens to be one of the best places in the city centre to watch live sport with pints and plenty of people.
Located in Printworks, the bar is a regular haunt for football fans come the Premier League games at the weekend, so it’s only natural it finds its way onto this list of sports bars showing the World Cup in Manchester. They’ll be showing every game as well, not just England. Pencil yourself in while you can.
You only have to go a few feet (quite literally) to get all the fun of an American-themed sports bar too, only Shooters Bar will be packed full of Brits and not their transatlantic cousins when England face the USA on Friday, 25 November.
Based inside Printwork’s world-famous Bierkeller, Shooters is offering seating from £25 and £35 for VIP, both of which will guarantee you two drinks on arrival and the latter food from the Wings and Wurste menu. This popular sports bar is always packed out, you don’t need us to tell you why.
The Oast House, Spinningfields
Credit: The Oast House
One of the jewels in Spinningfields crown, The Oast House is a popular watering hole year-round but even more so during the colder months as the Christmas teepee is erected and you can see the smoke pumping out of the cosy interior’s chimney.
Oast also has the added bonus of a spacious courtyard with a large screen located on the stage, not to mention plenty of coverage and outdoor heaters to keep you warm for this rare winter World Cup. With a festive menu and plenty to drink, what more you could ask for? Walk-ins welcome but booking advised.
Society, Central
Credit: Society
Speaking of food and drink, one of the best parts about international football season is doing away with all concepts of dieting and sobriety, so it’s a good job that vendor hall Society is showing every England game this November and December.
Tucked just beneath Bridgewater Hall with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, Society has plenty of variety when it comes to traders and we also can’t wait to see the scenes around that fountain once we romp into the final — and we will. You only need to email to book your table.
Blues Kitchen, Peter Street
Credit: Blues Kitchen Manchester
While Blues Kitchen might not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about where to watch the World Cup, the multi-floor bar, restaurant, club and live music venue puts on all kinds of events throughout the year, so why wouldn’t they cover the biggest event of the year?
This beautiful building spans multiple floors, with the gig venue able to hold 500 alone, and they’ll be packing the place out with as many tables as they can. Tickets are sold as tables at a rate of £5 per person, making it one of the cheapest places to book in for the tournament.
Probably one of the most frequented places for watching live sport in the city centre, Director’s Box is yet another superb sports bar in a prime central location and nestled around a number of classic Manchester pubs like The Vine Inn and The City Arms.
From their huge value-for-money sharing platters to a solid lineup of beers and screens on nearly every wall, you won’t go for wrong watch the games in the place. However, we will warn you that this place gets packed out quickly, so be sure to secure a spot early come 21 November.
The Brotherhood of Pursuits and Pastimes, Albert Square
Credit: The Brotherhood
We can’t talk about sports bars without mentioning the one and only Brotherhood. Undoubtedly one of the busiest post-work pubs as well as on matchdays, this city centre spot has food, games, beer and more than enough screens to cater to the punters.
Located just next to the Central Library between Albert and St Peter’s Square, this place has a few simple rules: behave yourself and get there early, especially if you want to be part of their World Cup party which is sure to be a belter. You can enquire about a table but it’s first come first serve. Good luck.
This Castlefield cornerstone is another solid choice for football fans, with plenty of screens throughout its various rooms and an outdoor terrace with a projector screen; there are a few private hire spaces for groups of different sizes too.
With bars located inside and outside and plenty of room for walk-ins too if you’ve left it too late to snag a ticket elsewhere, you know where to head come kick-off. It’ll be some part along next that canal. Check out what they have to offer here.
The Waldorf, Piccadilly
Credit: Waldorf Manchester
As any Manc football fan (especially a Blue) will know, The Waldorf is a gem of a pub for watching the games all year round, and it’s full steam ahead for the World Cup. Just a few yards down from Manchester Piccadilly, even if you’re coming from elsewhere in Greater Manchester, you won’t have far to walk.
It’s not just the England games being screened here either, the local favourite will be showing every match in Qatar 2022. With two floors to pack out, this place if everything you’d want from a proper pub come tournament time. You can book your table here.
Bunny Jackson’s, First Street
Credit: Bunny Jackson’sCredit: Bunny Jackson’s
For the most atmospheric, unpretentious World Cup viewing experience possible, you need to head to Bunny Jackson’s, the beloved dive bar famed for its 20p wings, plenty of pints and bar staff who are more likely to suggest shots than you are.
The First Street institution will be showing the games on the big screen tucked in the corner of the room with plenty of space for people on both floors to watch. The sounds in this place will be as well at full tilt volume from minute one. They don’t do bookings at this gaff, just get yourself there early.
BOX Deansgate, Deansgate
Credit: BOX Deansgate
Open for just over a year now, BOX bar has gone from one of the newest places on the Deansgate strip to an absolute cornerstone of matchdays and weekends in general. From beer and shuffleboard to steins of pornstar martinis and live music, this place has a bit of everything.
With the jumbotron-style screen in the middle, not to mention all the other screens covering nearly every inch of the place, there’s no chance you’ll miss even a second of the action in this American-style sports bar. Get booking now if you want to sort yourself the best seat in the house.
The Courtyard, Oxford Road corridor
There are few simpler pleasures a bar with cheap beer and cheap food, so whether your student days are behind you or not, The Courtyard has to be on this list — even if only to remember all the other times we’ve watched the footy there down the years.
Of course, this place will be packed out as per, but with loads of deals on drinks, pool tables and a large beer garden area out back ready for when ‘Three Lions’ starts playing, Courtyard will be bouncing whether you’re there or not.
Gasworks, First Street
Credit: Gasworks
Another cult-favourite along the First Street/Jack Rosenthal Street run of venues, Gasworks has never been a sports bar per se but following the scenes during the men’s and women’s Euros these past two years, for our money, this is one of the best places to watch World Cup in Manchester city centre.
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With a big projector; large booths and long benches for you and your mates to crowd around as you watch the games, eat various buns, sarnies and slabs, not to mention sample their sizeable selection of craft beer and ales, you won’t find much to complain about here.
Canvas, Circle Square
Credit: Canvas
Another one of Manchester’s newest additions, the Canvas event space which recently opened up on Oxford Road’s ever-growing Circle Square complex might just be one of the best-kept secrets when it comes to places to watch the World Cup. Well, until that is.
The bar, entertainment and live music venue will be screening a selection of games throughout November and December, and there are even promising exclusive performances from the likes of Confidence Man, Happy Mondays, Liam Fray and more throughout the tournament.
Tib Street Tavern, Northern Quarter
Credit: Google Street View/Tib Street Instagram (via Instagram)
Heading over Northern Quarter way, Tib Street Tavern is one of our favourite places to watch sport in Manchester, and that’s saying something. Cocktails, burgers and hot dogs don’t hurt either. With absolutely massive screens that fill the walls, it’s no wonder you’ll find hundreds of punters in here evet weekend.
Their booths may already be booked out for England’s first game against Iran, but there’ll still be plenty of room for walk-ins on a first come first serve basis and there’s always the next game. Just give them a ring and try your look.
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Sir Ralph Abercromby, Central
Credit: Wikimedia Commons/Sir Ralph Abercromby (via Facebook)
Probably one of the best and most historic football-loving pubs you’ll find anywhere in the centre of town, the Sir Ralph Abercromby is a favourite of United fans and with the combination of a traditional pub setting and modern outdoor viewing area, you can’t go wrong.
In addition to multiple screens dotted around the marquee-covered beer garden, you have plenty of tellies inside and a big projector room in the back room. It’s a no-frills boozer this one, just get there in time to find yourself a seat and despite the cold, that outdoor area will be as lively as ever.
The Old Nags Head, Central
From one beloved United haunt to another. It may be the go-to pub for top Reds year in, year out, but come international tournament time we’re all on the same side and this place packs out all the same — and there are three floors, so that’s saying something.
The downstairs delivers plenty of screens, a large bar serving from all directions and karaoke; there are more seats upstairs and you’ve also got the wonderful rooftop terrace to chant ‘it’s coming home’ across the city come full-time. This place is dripping in football heritage just like the Ralph.
Brickhouse Social/Kable, Oxford Road corridor
Credit: Brickhouse Social/Kable
From the old school to the new, Brickhouse Social on New Wakefield Street is another venue that hasn’t been around that long but is already building a strong customer base and is now turning its hand to the 2022 World Cup.
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Turning the attached Kable Club in the basement of this three-floor site into their very own fan zone, Brickhouse are selling off tickets and a free drink for just a fiver. Spots for the England vs Iran game have already flown out the window so grab yours for the USA group game on 25 November while you can.
Twenty Twenty Two, Northern Quarter
Twenty Twenty Two. Credit: Photo by Jack Kirwin -JK Photography-
Looking for a basement vibe for your World Cup vibes this year? Twenty Twenty Two might be underground but they intend to take the roof off the place when Harry Kane scores a last-minute winner or Tripper fires in another a peach of free-kick.
Best known for its table tennis and beer pong tournaments, this late-night party bar is opening early for England’s first game on Monday, 21 November and will be showing every other match for that matter. Once again, only walk-ins for this one, just be early and count yourself lucky if you grab a seat.
JBs is another top contender when it comes to places to watch the World Cup in Manchester as not only do you get great food and drink in a top venue, but you’ve also got brand new projectors, screens upstairs and down, as well their Void sound system — perfect for bringing that big game atmosphere
Whether you cop the cheaper standing tickets with two drink tokens or opt for the very reasonable table package which includes guaranteed seats, two drinks each and a sharing platter, everyone gets the all-important big screen as well as DJ playing at half-time and after the. Nothing less than a good time.
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ABC Taproom, Piccadilly
Credit: ABC Taproom
Back over near Mayfield, we’ve got another suggestion that you may not have considered until now: ABC Taproom. The on-site taproom of the Alphabet Brewing Company has hosted plenty of live music and comedy nights since it opened back in 2021, now they’re turning their hand to live football screenings.
They have recently installed a huge 200-inch 4K screen to show every England game over the next month or so and will even be introducing a special line of carefully crafted World Cup beers to celebrate the tournament. It may be a little bit out of the centre of town but it’s well worth a try for a game or two.
Back in NQ territory, The Pen and Pencil is not only a favourite place for Mancs to eat and drink but for anyone who’s been in on a matchday, the pub quiz on Tuesdays or pre-gig shows throughout the week, you’ll know the punter vibes here are just as good as any pub.
While booking is recommended for those who want to grab a seat and some grub, there will be space for walk-ins on the day and, best of all, it’s 50% off food every Monday — just in time for your dinner (lunch for any southerners) when England kick-off their group stage.
Second City, Ancoats
Credit: Second City
Travelling just down the road in Ancoats, the beloved Second City sports bar may have moved to a slightly smaller location just off Cutting Room Square but they’ve carried the same atmosphere into their new building.
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This place shows all kinds of sports throughout the week and on screens of all sizes dotted around the place – the biggest being its premier 136-inch screen. There’s no chance you’re missing a glimpse of the Three Lions flying their way through the fixtures.
7Sins, Northern Quarter
Credit: The Manc Group/7Sins
The penultimate bar on our list of places showing the World Cup in Manny is none other than NQ’s 7Sins. While you might know it as a place to play retro video games, shuffleboard and pool, these lot aren’t missing a beat and they doing their bit to give Mancs another location to watch the England games.
For wondering how they’re managing it, they’ve recently had (you guessed it) seven different screens fitted along with their big projector screen to go along with their various arcade machines and bar activities. You can book via the website or email them with any enquiries.
Boom Battle Bar, Printworks
Credit: The Manc Group
Last but not least is another offering from the Printworks as Boom Battle Bar is benching its activity and gaming bar theme to focus on the World Cup, at least for the duration of the games anyway. We felt we had to include this one not only because we like it but because they have a special promotion on too.
The chain is giving away 66 free pints of beer to select England fans who utter the right phrase — ‘‘It’s coming home and I want a free pint’ — at the bar an hour before kick-off. They’ll be first come first serve and you have to book a table to be eligible but hey, there’s no moaning when it comes to free beer.
Now, we obviously could have chucked dozens more mint Manchester bars and pubs on this list but we had to stop otherwise we’d go on forever. However, you’ve got more than plenty to be going on with for now.
Lastly, it goes without saying that besides finding places to watch the World Cup in Manchester, Qatar 2022 is a tournament that we’d rather every nation have boycotted this year and while we will always back the Three Lions, we can only hope that team taking part make a statement when they’re over there.
Qatar has been described by Human Rights Watch as having a “dismal human rights record”, and has shown discriminatory practices against women, the LGBTQ+ community, and migrant workers.
We’d love to see the boys bring football home, but we want the beautiful game to be for everyone more.
Featured Image — Love Factory/Road to Victory (supplied)
Feature
The best food and drink stalls at Manchester Christmas Markets 2022
Georgina Pellant
Gluhwein, Bavarian beer and big fat German bratwursts in numerous flavours have returned to Manchester today as the Christmas Markets officially open in the city centre.
Running from Thursday 10 November until Thursday 22 December, central Manchester is now a maze of charming wooden huts selling everything from classic wintry drinks, to cheese-filled and curried sausages, alongside some new additions that celebrate the best of the local street food scene.
From the likes of mulled wine and hot, boozy cider, to steaming mugs of Italian Vin Boule, Nordic Glocc and French Vin Chaud, cheeky hot Vimto (Rumto or Ginto), Manchester blob and more, as ever there’s plenty to get excited about.
Pork dumplings on rice with ginger at Oi Dumpling. / Image: The Manc Eats
Parmo butties at Parmogeddon. / Image: The Manc Eats
Some of the city’s restauranteurs are getting involved this year too, with the likes of Simon Shaw’s Habas setting up a Moroccan-inspired stall on King Street and Northern Quarter favourite Yard & Coop slinging out chicken trays on St Ann’s Square.
Elsewhere, you’ll find
Keep reading to discover all of the best food and drink stalls at Manchester’s Christmas markets this year.
Piccadilly Gardens – Winter Gardens
Christmas parmos on chips and parmo butties from Parmogeddon. / Image: The Manc Eats
Crispy chocolate dumplings from Oi Dumpling. / Image: The Manc Eats
Bigger and better than ever this year, Piccadilly Gardens has once again been transformed into the market’s main festive hub for the season.
Featuring a new giant Nordic-style double tipi and eye-catching WIndmilll bar, as well as three separate areas full of different food and drink stalls, highlights include new stalls from local favourites Parmageddon and Oi Dumplings.
Winter Gardens also sees the return of 2021 hit trader Panc Foods, who wowed vegans and meat eaters alike last year with their plant-based bratwursts and burgers, as well as the popular Korean hot dog stall and bagels from Prestwich favourites Triple B (including a fried camembert version with red onion chutney and stilton mayo).
With more stalls serving up pancakes, churros, and an array of winter tipples, you’ll find two huge bars serving continental and foreign ales, as well as a host of different mixers, cocktails, and all the beers, gluhwein and hot chocolates your heart desires.
Fried Camembert burger from Triple B. / Image: The Manc Eats
Strawberry crumb and Biscoff chimney cake from Yum Yum. / Image: The Manc Eats
There’s also a huge Manchester Winter Ale House selling cask ales from local breweries like JW Lees, alongside hot drinks like boozy Vimto (made with gin or rum), and ‘Manchester’s legendary Hot Blobs’, which we’re told are a mix of sweet white wine, sugar, lemon, and hot water.
Old favourites the Pig and Barrel also make a welcome return to the Winter Gardens offering up their delicious pork barms and cosy seating area, whilst elsewhere you’ll find a new ‘dirty chicken’ stall, pancake house, ‘Rogue’ pizza bar, Japanese apres ski bar and a little Polish bakery selling cheesecake and apple pie.
St Ann’s Square and Exchange Street
Pies to enjoy at home from Great North Pie Co. / Image: The Manc Eats
A cheese stall selling ‘chip shop curry’ and ‘red wine port’ flavours. / Image: The Manc Eats
St Ann’s Square- the original site for Manchester’s Christmas markets- returns with its large undercover bar providing German beers and warm cherry Gluhwein to keep Christmas revellers warm and merry throughout the winter season.
Also playing host to some of Manchester’s best local traders this year, you’ll find Northern Quarter foodie favourites Yard and Coop serving up their salt and pepper chicken trays alongside award-winning local favourites Great North Pie, and Manc and Proud serving up Mancunian-themed everything.
Elsewhere, you’ll find fresh authentic paella and tapas, square pizzas, continental chocolates and a range of English cheeses priced at just £3 each in flavours including the magnificent ‘chip shop curry’.
There are also Biscoff cookie pies, cookie and cream fudge puds disguised as Christmas puddings, chocolate orange slabs and giant marshmallow Christmas trees to discover.
Market Street
There’s not much to report here food-wise, with the majority of stalls focusing on selling gifts and other crafty trinkets.
We did spy a massive stall selling pick and mix, though, for those who haven’t yet got over the closure of Woolworth’s, as well as a spiced rum stall and a few gift sets of cheese truckles.
King Street
Image: The Manc Eats
Image: The Manc Eats
Home to some of the best food stall in Manchester, the Christmas deli stalls on King Street takes foodies on a world tour of some of the best-loved dishes on the planet.
The amazing Italian cheese and meat stall returns, piled high with giant wheels of parmigiano, gorgonzola, goat cheese, pecorino and taleggio, plus a huge variety of salami and smoked bacon pancetta, with giant hams hanging above ready to be sliced to order on a custom machine.
As for ready-to-eat street food, you’ll find everything from squid ink arancini balls and gorgeous Sicilian cannoli, to Greek gyros and halloumi fries, French garlic mushrooms and mustard chicken, baklava, olives, marinated garlic cloves and local rum made right across the river in Salford.
A bar at the end of King Street selling some of Manchester Christmas markets cheapest mulled wine and beer. / Image: The Manc Eats
Arancini balls on sale at a dedicated stall on King Street. / Image: The Manc Eats
Elsewhere, restaurant Habas, part of the El Gato Negro group, has a full outdoor set up serving dishes from its Moroccan-inspired menu including the likes of chicken and vegetable tagine with spiced rice and mini pittas, chargrilled lamb merguez burger.
There’s also a gin and mulled wine bar selling a huge variety of G&Ts with premium bottles like Gin Mare on offer, and a second beer and mulled wine bar at the Deansgate end with everything you need to get merry.
New Cathedral Street
Image: The Manc Eats
Image: The Manc Eats
On New Cathedral Street, the longstanding home of the big sausage, find stalls selling old-fashioned liquorice and handmade cocktails to drink at home, alongside hot street food stalls offering everything from vegan 5 bean chilli to New York Bagels.
Elsewhere, you’ll find Bar 3’s famous Instagram-worthy smoking cocktails, mulled wine and craft beers, and traditional steins and mouth-watering currywurst at The Witchouse.
Exchange Square
Over on Exchange Square, you can warm up at the instantly recognisable Mill Exchange bar, with their special Mancunian mulled wine made on-site and its legends of Manchester artwork adorning its walls.
2022 also sees the return of the famous Porky Pig’s Yorkshire Pudding Wrap, alongside stalls selling hot curries, mini pancakes, fresh fudge, hand-carved olivewood decorations, German kebabs, and gourmet Italian pizza.
The Corn Exchange
Image: The Manc Eats
Image: The Manc Eats
Set between Manchester’s historic Corn Exchange building and Shambles Square, visitors can expect to find a pie stall from The Crusty Pie Company selling every filling variation you can think of – from pork and black pudding to Hunstmans pies, chicken and leek, wild boar and mushroom, turkey and cranberry, and chicken and chestnut stuffing pies. You can also find bags of traditional pork scratchings from £2.
Elsewhere, Jammy Dodger-loaded cupcakes, Nutella-topped confections, and more covered with pick and mix sweeties, chocolate Oreos, and golden pretzels can be found at Zara’s Cupcakes market stall, and there’s another English cheese stall selling flavours like ‘chip shop curry’, ‘stuffing’ and ‘fiery dragon’ from £3 each.
Cathedral Gardens
Opening Saturday 22 October in time for half term and Halloween, the much-loved undercover ice rink Skate MCR is back with entertainment each Thursday to Sunday all the way through to New Year’s Eve.
Next to the ice rink, hot food, warm drinks, pancakes and tipples will be on offer from nearby market stalls to help warm up cold hands and feet after a skate on the ice.
Emily Sergeant -
21st June 2021 
