Urban Markets at The Old Granada Studios

You fellow Mancunians (and honorary ones like me) may already be aware of the wonderful Old Granada Studios re-opening its doors recently for the Corrie Tour, ITV World Cup Fever Pitch and a variety of markets across the weekends.

Well I can tell you it’s well worth a nosey and I am particularly loving the addition of regular weekend markets to Manchester city centre.

This is something that I always miss about London…good markets! I know it’s a different kettle of fish, but in London you’re just spoilt for choice when it comes to markets (Portobello, Camden, Spitalfields, Petticoat Lane etc etc) and I’ve always felt Manchester was a bit lacking in this area. The villagey suburbs have some great Artisan-style markets, in the likes of Alderley Edge, Wilmslow and Chorlton – which are all fab. But having something like this, regularly in the city centre, hasn’t quite happened…until now!

So last Sunday, I popped along to the new Urban Markets at The Old Granada Studios, which will be held on the 2nd weekend of every month…woohoo! The markets promise to cover everything from street-food, to artisan goods, to vintage trinkets and everything in between – just what you want from a good market.

And last Saturday’s edition was fab! Great street-food, vintage tunes from the DJ and a eclectic selection of market-stalls…the perfect market.

The folks were visiting from London and I knew this would be the perfect day out for them. We rocked up at the old original entrance to the studios, which is the amazing art-deco archway on Water St, to the sounds of Marvin Gaye being played by the DJ. It was just after midday and we were all starving. Wanting to relax and enjoy the stalls the market had to offer, we headed straight for the food to settle our stomachs. We didn’t make it far before the lovely chefs at the Greek street-food stand offered me a sample of freshly cooked chicken, seasoned to perfection. Sold! 4 Greek chicken wraps please chef.

Delicious, tender diced chicken, with salad and tzatkiki in a soft wrap. I finished mine off with a dash of BBQ sauce (and obligatory glass of Prosecco). Heaven!

We sat and enjoyed our lunch, with a few drinkies and soaked-up the atmosphere. Dad was happy with the retro tunes of Jimi Hendrix, Curtis Mayfield and the like.

Stomachs sated and thirst quenched, we hit the shopping! I was really impressed with the selection of stalls on offer – everything from art-work, to jewellery, to homemade candles, to vintage clothes and even homemade doggie treats!

Couldn’t resist a slab of homemade Focaccia from NomNom Bread. Look at these loaves – how could you say no…

The boys were happy when they discovered the Brightside Brewing Company and purchased a few bottles to enjoy while watching the footy that evening. “Proper beer” as my Dad says.

And even Bobbi got a little treat from (my personal favourite stall) Izzie Lizzies Dog Bakery. We chose a sweet potato pie to take home for Bobs. She was one happy doggy. Hope Lizzie’s there again, as I’d certainly stock-up next time.

A cooking demo from top Manchester Chef David Mooney (of Beef & Pudding fame), added an extra element to the market festivities…

And then back to the shopping…

Loved these wax lanterns for the house. And they don’t melt! The lovely lady of The Little Jewellery Boutique told me about how they are specially printed on and you can even have them printed with your own design, image or photograph! One of me, hubby and Bobbi methinks…

I love a good statement necklace…and these ones from HoochieMama certainly make a statement (I want the show-girls one)!

And there was so much more…brownies, caribbean food, indian food, handmade jewellery, vintage fashion and homeware…everything you can think of! I might of bought myself a cheeky piece of knitwear from the gorgeous House of Che Che.

The markets at Old Granada Studios really are the perfect place to while-away the weekend afternoons and spend a little of that hard-earned cash. All in the awesome and historical setting of the old studios and stunning buildings like this one…

They will be hosted on the 2nd weekend of every month, across both Saturday and Sunday. No excuses to miss out! Follow @OldGranadaMCR and @_UrbanMarket for the latest updates.