Mackie Mayor

From the outside the old ‘Smithfield Market’ is a chunk of historic Manc—graffiti, handpainted signs, grubby ornate stone and steel shutters. The owners like it like this, but don’t be fooled. Inside is a restored/dress‐up of a spectacular glass and iron building. It’s now a food market selling mostly what may be called artisan food—some vegetarian, provenanced meat, specialist coffee/alcohol vendors etc. The pedestrianised back has room for a rarity in the dump of England—street eating. Positioned between the student/young‐professional buildings of Ancoats, and the Northern Quarter, Mackie Mayor draws a perfect clientele—it will set you back £15–£25 to eat and maybe communal tables are not for everyone. But so what? It is often, even on a quiet day, rammed full. We wouldn’t on this site usually cover a simple outlet however, between the notable architecture and the circus of vendors with their creative stabs and cult popularity it must get an entry. A while back, a hospitality firm/travel webside called Mackie Mayor as the best food hall in England. Time Out big it up. If you need to impress your people you’re doing ok, you know where to go.