Mackie Mayor is an 1858 Grade II listed market building on the edge of Manchester’s NQ which has just be made over and looks absolutely fabulous. There is a range of vendors on offer. High-end coffee from J Atkinson & Co, charcoal-cooked fish from FIN, Taiwanese steamed buns from Bao House, and pizza from Honest Crust Pizza, plus many more. It’s a big hit with us all.
V-Rev is a vegan junk food diner. It’s also the kids favourite place to eat. It’s so cool and you would never know it was vegan. There are lots of different versions of burgers, hot dogs and loaded fries and the ice cream sundae is just amazing.
Sugar Junction is decorated with a vintage vibe. It has China tea sets and pin-up and war posters. The sound of the music they play makes you feel like you have stepped back in time. It offers a selection of homemade cakes and also fresh food and sandwiches as well Afternoon Tea. It also has the most fabulous cocktails of an evening, I was drinking the dirty Martini last time I visited.
Oke Poke is Hawaiian street food in Manchester. It is so fresh and colourful and even the kids love their Poke bowls. Poké (poh-kay) is a combination of diced raw fish, vegetables and various other mix-ins. Poké in Hawaiian translates as ‘chunk’. It has been compared to a deconstructed sushi bowl, with hints of Asian flavours which creates a unique, healthy and soulful alternative to an everyday salad. They also have some tasty and colourful vegan desserts.
El Taquero is an authentic taste of mexico. It is home to a top of the range tortilla press from Mexico City, and is able to create 100 per cent fresh corn beauties daily. They have such a wide selection of dishes and we took the advice from our waiter and ordered his suggestions, they were all huge hits with us, including the kids.
Such a gorgeous cafe and such a cool layout, the coffee is delicious and the staff were all super friendly (I lost my gloves in there and they all helped to find them). We also purchased some fab cards whilst in their as they sell pieces from local designers.
Folk and soul is a plant-based cafe bar. It is all locally produced and the menu changes regularly depending what is in season. We have had beautiful soup and sandwiches. All healthy but super tasty and the atmosphere is so bright and happy. They also sell vegan wine and beers.
Bundobust sells the most amazing Gujurat-inspired street food and the world’s best craft beer, from both local and international breweries. It also has vegan options. It was a big hit with Bobby, Mark and I, but was all too spicy for Daisy. It’s a taste sensation, honestly, so many beautiful flavours and a variety of choices. We loved the okra fries, bhel puri, raghda pethis and tarka dhal and rice.
Ezra and Gil is a good size but is always super busy and this is because it’s so good. It has a lovely atmosphere and sells a good variety of food options including cakes which are magnificent. Perfect for long lazy brunches.
I hope this is a fab start for you, I will add some more, but I wanted to get this up this weekend. Common is also really good as is Federal cafe.
Let me know if you visit any.
Shelley x
P.s; See also my guide to our favourite shops in The Northern Quarter.
