Christmas Hotspot: Mackie Mayor

Manchester’s food and drink scene moves at a rapid pace. At such a speed that you can often come up against your chosen location either being renovated into something else completely, or you’re hit with some obscure opening times. Which is why one of the newest spots in the city, Mackie Mayor, has managed to corral all the good things we’re looking for, under one roof.



Mackie Mayor can be best described as a modern food and drink hall, and is the brainchild of the team behind the highly regarded Altrincham Market. Located on the boundary of the Northern Quarter and Ancoats, Mackie Mayor is fast becoming one of the city’s most popular places to visit for food, drink, music and entertainment - all in one beautifully repurposed warehouse.

As soon as you step through the old wooden doors of Mackie you’ll be presented with endless warm, smiling faces and several food smells jostling for your attention. On the ground floor, you’ll find local eateries, bars and bakeries - each with their own stall. They sell everything from stone baked pizzas, locally sourced fish dishes, delicious Asian mains, freshly baked pastries and cakes, coffee, and craft beer. Vegan and vegetarian options are heavy catered for throughout.



Mackie has been designed with a strong focus on community, with stalls running around the end of the food hall, and long German-style sharing tables filling the centre of the room. This choice of design is what gives this place its charm; it’s a shared experience with something for everyone. Upstairs you’ll find extra tables and seating with a really awesome view - perfect for those who love to spend a few hours people watching.

If you head to the far side of the Mackie Mayor hall, you’ll find the newly opened Atkinson’s coffee shop. This brand new additional has become our go-to for coffee in central Manchester. The beautiful deep navy and brown wood, off white walls, marble countertops and brass accented interior is like nothing else you will find in the city. With an extensive choice of house and guest coffee (available in pretty much every pour style you can think of), cakes which almost look too good to eat, and friendly baristas, it’s not long before this gem becomes a staple for those who appreciate a unique coffee experience.

This will be the first Christmas period that Manchester’s Mackie Mayor has experienced, and if our previous visits are anything to go by, then we imagine this bustling hub will soon become the city’s most talked about venue.

Mackie Mayor
Mackie Major, Eagle St, Northern Quarter, Manchester, M4