Manchester

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

It is one of three Greater Manchester food halls to make the top 10.

Georgina Pellant Georgina Pellant - 16th March 2023

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.

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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.

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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

Manchester

Fundraiser launched to find ‘beautiful soul’ now missing for almost three weeks

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Fundraiser launched to find missing 'beautiful soul' Adeo Alston

An urgent fundraiser has been set up to help in the search for a Manchester man, who has now been missing for almost three weeks.

Adeo Alston, 25, was last seen in Fletcher Moss Park in Didsbury on Friday 16 May.

Greater Manchester Police have been conducting urgent searches for missing Adeo, who was last seen wearing long blue denim shorts, a green short-sleeved button up shirt, and white Adidas trainers.

But now his loved ones have launched a GoFundMe to help them raise the costs for a private investigator.

It’s hoped that the £1.5k target will pay for the investigation fees, with the ‘hope of finding and getting him home safe’.

When Adeo was last seen, he was reportedly heading in the direction of the River Mersey after socialising with a man and a woman.

GMP have been investigating, checking CCTV, bank records, phone activity and appealing for witnesses – but have so far found ‘no leads’.

The GoFundMe, by Adeo’s friend Charlie Watkinson, says: “We’re now running out of options.

“It’s becoming increasingly concerning as the days pass and we’re all so worried and miss him so so much.

“We are now resorting to a private investigator – the funds we raise from this will pay for the investigation fees, with the hope of finding and getting him home safe.

“Please help us find this beautiful soul!”

You can donate to the GoFundMe HERE.

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Featured image: GoFundMe

Manchester

Co-creator of Manchester-Blackpool bike ride hoping to reunite with fellow founders for special anniversary

Danny Jones Danny Jones Manchester to Blackpool bike ride 40th anniversary 2025

One of the co-creators of the much-loved Manchester to Blackpool charity bike ride is looking to reunite with some of his fellow founding members for a very special anniversary of the heartwarming event.

Way back when, Tony O’Dwyer was one of just six original riders who embarked on the bike ride from Manchester – Media City in Salford Quays, more precisely – to the Blackpool seafront, which has gone on to become a beloved and regularly frequented fundraiser.

Fast forward four decades later and not only is the annual cycling event approaching its 40th anniversary, but O’Dwyer himself is looking to take it on yet again, just four days before his 70th birthday.

Oh yeah, it’s worth mentioning he’s done it every year since the beginning – including solo during the pandemic. Simply incredible.

manchester to blackpool bike ride
Go on, Tony, lad! (Credit: The Christie Charity)

To make things even more memorable, the Wigan-born bike-riding legend is calling on his fellow Manchester-Blackpool bike ride founders to join him in a momentous reunion that is both a personal celebration and one that champions the famous fundraising endurance challenge.

It may have started out as little more than half a dozen blokes setting off from Albert Square in Manchester city centre on a pretty ambitious voyage, but it’s gone on to become a North West tradition and a powerful way to support vital causes, not least of all charities like The Christie Foundation.

This year, Tony will be riding once again to raise funds for The Christie in honour of his late father, Franco O’Dwyer, who was cared for by the specialist hospital and research centre after being diagnosed with stomach cancer.

Franco sadly died 10 years ago, and Tony has been a passionate supporter of the organisation ever since, taking various fundraising challenges even beyond his usual Manchester to Blackpool bike ride.

Speaking ahead of the anniversary edition, Tony said: “I can’t believe it’s been 40 years since we first did it. Back in 1985, it was just a group of mates, a few bikes, and the road to Blackpool – we didn’t have the gear, just grit and a bit of madness!

manchester blackpool cycling event
tony odwyer
Credit: Supplied

“We passed through Leigh, Standish, Preston, and St Annes, stopping at pubs and windmills along the way, just enjoying the journey. I’d love to reconnect with the original group – Mike, Barry, Susan, John, Margaret and Christine – it would be brilliant to see where life has taken them.”

“The first time I did the bike ride, I was in fancy dress as a lion, and I’ve done it every year since. I even did it during COVID on my own when the event was postponed, and there were others on the way doing it themselves too, which was amazing to see!”

Crediting The Christie with prolonging his father’s life and giving his family that extra precious time, he’s now proud to fly the flag for the foundation, and they have just as much love for him.

Mass participation events officer Josh Hughff added: “Tony is an incredible ambassador for the Charity and for this event. His dedication over four decades is inspiring, and we’re honoured he continues to ride in support of The Christie Charity.

“His story is a reminder of the lasting power of community, memory, and giving back.”

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For anyone who’d like to join Tony and be part of ‘Team Christie’ 2025 as they head towards the seaside town’s South Promenade, you can sign up HERE.

As for those pioneers who first took on the challenge all those years ago, if you were part of that original group or know someone who was, please contact Maggie Doyle at The Christie Charity on 07717 532195.

Fingers crossed we can get the gang back together.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — The Chrisite (supplied)/Leo C. Owen (Pexels)

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