Okay, so I’ve been meaning to check out the food scene in Manchester, and I finally got around to hitting up some food courts. Here’s how it went down.
First Stop: Mackie Mayor
I started my food journey at Mackie Mayor. This place is an old market building, all exposed brick and high ceilings – super cool vibe. I’d heard good things, so I was pretty pumped.
- Getting there: Found it pretty easily, it’s in the Northern Quarter.
- First impressions: Walked in and it was buzzing! Loads of people, long tables, and the smell of food everywhere.
- What I ate: I grabbed a pizza from Honest Crust. It was amazing. Seriously, thin crust, great toppings, cooked perfectly.
- Overall: Loved the atmosphere, but it was packed. Had to hover a bit to find a seat. Worth it for the pizza, though.
Next Up: Arndale Market
After Mackie Mayor, I headed over to the Arndale Market. This one’s a bit different – more of a traditional market with a food court area.

- Getting aroundIt is Very easy to find and in city center.
- The vibe:Not as fancy as Mackie Mayor, more down-to-earth. Lots of different cuisines, which was cool.
- Food try:I got some noodles. It was a big portion, and the price was good.
- summary:A solid option if you’re in the Arndale and need a quick, affordable bite. Lots of choices, so there’s something for everyone.
Final Thoughts
I spent one day to check different food court, both of these food courts are worth checking out!
Mackie Mayor is great if you want a trendy atmosphere and some really high-quality food.
Arndale Market is perfect for a more casual, budget-friendly meal with tons of variety.
Manchester’s food court game is strong!