‘Exceptional’ Manchester food hall Mackie Mayor named the best in the UK

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One of Manchester’s favourite food halls has just been named the best in the whole of the UK, beating competition from the likes of London, Bristol and Sheffield.

Praised for its ‘exceptional’ food, Mackie Mayor – housed in an 1858 Grade II-listed building that was once a part of the bustling Smithfield Market area – was name-checked by global travel site, Big 7 Travel, and hospitality specialists Enjoy Travel.

Originally used as a meat market, the building ran into disrepair during the 1970s before reopening as a food hall in 2017.

Today, it is home to some heavenly food traders including Mexican foodies Pico’s, New Wave Ramen, Honest Crust sourdough pizza, Tender Cow, Chilli B Thai and Mumma’s Fried Chicken.

Tommy Fury recently popped into Tender Cow at Picturedrome (owned and run by the same team as Mackie Mayor) for a celebratory burger post-fight. / Image: Tender Cow
Eagle St Coffee is the newest trader at Mackie Mayor, taking over from Lancashire-based Atkinson’s Coffee who moved out in January 2023. / Image: Eagle St Coffee

On top of that, it also houses the Reserve wine shop, BlackJack Brewtap’s award-winning beer and cider shop Jack in the Box, and Eagle Street Coffee – the latter a relatively new addition after Mackie’s longstanding coffee trader Atkinsons Coffee closed its cafe in January.

Also appearing on the list in top 10 positions are Manchester food halls Altrincham Market House (no surprise really considering it is run by the same team as Mackie Mayor) and Society in fourth and eighth place. Eataly in London, meanwhile, scooped second place.

Liverpool’s Baltic Market ranked at number 5, with Sheffield’s Cutlery Works coming in at third place.

Image: Society
Image: Society

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In order to create the ranking, venues were rated on a number of factors including their range of cuisines, selection of vendors, unique and special events, and overall atmosphere.

Mackie Mayor is described as “one of Mancheester’s most popular spots”, “crammed full of top-notch food and drink vendors […] with space for at least 500 people”.

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However, the list also name-checks former food traders Fin fish bar and Baohouse. neither of which feature at Mackie Mayor any longer.

Feature image – The Manc Eats