Manchester Craft and Design Centre

Based in an old converted Victorian fish market, the Manchester Craft and Design Centre is home to 18 studios with over 30 designers, artists and creatives making and selling their own work. Established as the Craft and Design Centre 30 years ago, each studio has something different, and is a world away from the the rest of the shops in the city centre — you can buy anything from handmade jewellery, to bags, to ceramics, interior accessories, furniture, paintings and much more. The centre has a busy exhibition and events programme, showcasing contemporary craft and design by established and emerging talent, as well as running workshops which give people a chance to try out all areas of creativity. The Oak St Cafe Bar has a menu which changes fairly regularly, but expect to find soups, toasties, salads and stews, as well as homemade cakes and hot and alcoholic drinks. [Charlotte Davies]