Manchester Christmas Markets: Best Places to Eat
It's here, it's happening. There's no escaping the C word. As the Christmas markets descend on Manchester for another year, here’s our guide to the hidden food and drink gems that your taste buds will thank you for
Let's be honest, the draw of any Christmas market is pretty much always the food. Where many people trip up, though, is in making a bee-line for same old stalls: bratwurst; waffles; elaborate hot chocolate. Truth is, there's a whole host of tasty delights to be discovered at the Northwest's Christmas markets, and The Skinny is here to guide you through the best of them.
We're starting proceedings with a look at the big guy: Manchester. Stay tuned for the best places to eat at Liverpool Christmas markets, too.
Orchard Pigs
Who?
A Wrexham-based pie stall, whose owner trained under superchef Raymond Blanc.
What?
Kick off your trail with a signature pork pie from Raymond Blanc-trained baker Robert Didier. Handmade and stuffed with everything from creamy Stilton to mustard and ale, these watercrust babies are the perfect bite to nurse as you make your way around the stalls.
Where?
Albert Square, in front of the town hall, on the far left (as you're facing the town hall).
‘The strudel place’
Who?
An authentic Austrian bakery where strudel is the raison d'être.
What?
Good job this insanely popular strudel stand doesn’t need a name, because it doesn’t have one. A go-to for most market-dwellers, this stall is the only one of its kind on offer at this year’s market, and serves up thick, authentic pastries in a host of flavours from classic apple to the more leftfield chocolate and marzipan. Lashings of custard are mandatory.
Where?
Albert Square, central, next to the Old Windmill bar.
De Creperie
Who?
A Dutch creperie with a PhD in batter.
What?
Germany may be where Christmas Market dreams are made, but the Dutch are fast becoming contenders to the crown. Among the usual piles of stroopwafels and Nutella, there are the mini pancakes of De Creperie – tiny little butterballs best eaten with powdered sugar and low blood pressure.
Where?
Albert Square, left-hand edge.
Tentazioni
Who?
A UK-based family company that specialise in importing the best that Italy has to offer.
What?
A kind of Greatest Hits of Italian treats and pastries that you’d struggle to find in your local Aldi. Cannoli filled with ricotta and pistachios, doorstop wedges of nougat, giostrine biscuits topped with apricot... the list goes on. Not only are their offerings insanely delicious and great to look at, but they're also often available as gluten or diary free, too.
Where?
Albert Square, third row in from the town hall, left-hand side.
Gingerbread House Confections
Who?
Another family setup (all the best ones are), aiming to make Willy Wonka dreams a reality.
What?
Where to begin? This chocolate-crammed stall is a living, breathing fantasy: chocolate waffles topped with, yes, more chocolate; marshmallows and fruit dipped in – shockingly – chocolate, and full head-sized slabs of, wait for it, chocolate, topped with every kind of confectionary you can think of. It’s hard to pick a highlight, so we’d suggest just faceplanting the whole lot. Treat yo’self.
Where?
Albert Square, in front of the town hall, far right.
[Photos: Lauren Phillips]
Manchester Christmas Markets are open until 21 Dec, 10am-9pm, @MCRMarkets
More from The Skinny Food & Drink:
- Looking for foodie Christmas presents? Check out The Skinny's Food & Drink Gift Guide
- Love local grub? Vote for your best places to eat in The Skinny Food & Drink Survey!