Mackie Mayor
Mackie Mayor is a food hall inside the restored Smithfield Market Hall, a Grade II listed Victorian market building completed in 1858, on the edge of the Northern Quarter. Six independent kitchens and two bars share long tables under the iron roof, so everyone in a group can order something different.
Photos
Michael Binns
The building
Smithfield Market Hall was built in 1857-58 for selling fish, meat, fruit and vegetables, replacing an earlier butchers' shambles, and its iron roof trusses were added in 1865. After years of standing derelict it was restored and reopened as Mackie Mayor in 2017 by the team behind Altrincham Market. The light, lofty space is half the reason to come.
Eating and drinking
Six kitchens trade here, and the line-up changes over time. Recent options have included rotisserie chicken, fish and chips, pizza, tacos and bao. You order from whichever counters you like and eat together at shared tables. For drinks there is a wine bar and bottle shop run by Reserve, and Jack in the Box, which focuses on real ale, cider and small-brewery beers.
When to go
You don't usually need to book, though it gets very busy on Friday and Saturday evenings and weekend lunchtimes. It is a good fit for mixed groups and families who can't agree on one cuisine. Afterwards, the Northern Quarter's cafés and bars are a few minutes' walk south. Reserve's bottle shop also sells wine to take away. The two bars make it easy to linger.
Highlights
- Grade II listed Smithfield Market Hall, completed 1858
- Six independent kitchens
- Two bars, including a real ale bar
- Shared tables, good for groups
- Walk-ins welcome
Good to know
- No need to book, though it helps at busy times.
- Kitchens change over time, so check what's trading before you go.
- On Eagle Street, at the northern edge of the Northern Quarter.
Frequently asked questions
Nearby
Sources: en.wikipedia.org · manchestersfinest.com