Manchester, and many of its surrounding areas, will always be close to my heart. My family have lived around those parts for many years and I will never forget the excitement of hopping in the car to see them a couple of times a year. Though I no longer class a trip to Manchester as an adventure we do still visit frequently to see both family and close friends.
Clambering out of our barely working camper-van after a 6 hour drive we were warmly greeted by our friends and their gorgeous cockapoo, Betty. Grabbing our worn down bags we were welcomed into what can only be described as their show home: not only a gorgeous living space but also situated in Altrincham, a beautiful suburban neighbourhood only 15 mins from central Manchester. This dream living combination did make me question my life choices, after university we initially planned to move to Manchester however London was calling, oh how different our life could have been.
Putting jealously aside, having friends with such great taste always means visiting the best places to eat, drink and shop. Last weekend was no different. Instead of heading into town we kept it local with a trip to Altrinham Market Food Hall (which was also Betty Friendly)
Entering the high ceilinged, naturally lit, rustic hall I could not believe it when Fay told me that it had only recently reopened after suffering from an awful fire as there was zero signs of destruction.
Despite a turbulent first year people still flocked to the market to sample the homely, yet high quality, food from one or more of the 10 independent business, which included Honest Crust (wood fired pizza), Tender Cow (rare breed flat iron steak & chips), North Pie Co. (multi award winning pies); Jack in the Box (craft beers), Reserve Wines (BBC Food & Drink Kate Goodman’s wine bar/shop); Sam Joseph (hand made chocolates) and Market House Coffee (serving Atkinsons of Lancaster coffee).
Although they all sounded delicious I always trust a local’s opinion so we went for the highly recommended Honest Crust pizzas. Made from hand stretched sourdough and fresh toppings that are then blasted in a 450ºC wood-fired oven for less than 90 seconds. Served straight from the oven to our table on a wooden paddle, the pie was wonderfully gooey.
Sharing a mushroom and andouille sausage (for the carnivores) we enthusiastically got stuck in. As always, their recommendation was spot on, the pizza was unlike any I had eaten before and that is saying something because if you are a regular reader you have probably noticed by now I eat A LOT of pizza!
After chowing down and having a good old catch up, Fay and I headed next door to take a quick peak at the 19th century covered market, selling a mix of crafted household goods, jewellery, trinkets, flowers – and even more food.
Whilst I love a London market I often feel that they become repetitive, this one had just the right variety of traders to keep it unique whilst still meeting shopper’s needs.
These was not the only eateries we ventured to, but wanting to give my friends the full attention they deserved whilst hearing all about their wedding plans I decided to leave the camera at home when we went to Yara for some Lebanese and Syrian food and then Riddles for a night cap, but don’t worry I am sure I will be back soon!
Are there any little hidden foodie gems that you think I should visit? Do you have a favourite food market?
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