Southport’s indoor market is a point of pride in the area. With a fantastic selection of places to dine, it’s a great meeting spot for locals and the perfect place to bring visiting out-of-towners.
And while most UK towns and cities have much beloved attractions, there are a few which stand out as a cut above the rest, and some of them are true hidden gems.
This article collects just a few that you may never have heard of. Some are commercial, while others are exclusively dining spots, but all have something unique to offer – take a look!
1. Jersey Market
A great spot for shopping and dining, Jersey Market is sorely missed from many greatest hits lists.
Traders sell a variety of curios and fresh produce, and among them are local florists, antique and vintage furniture specialists, haberdashery suppliers and more, as well as fresh produce including meat, fish, cheeses and fresh fruit and veg.
The building itself is worth visiting and sets the scene for the market’s ambitious range. Its impressive Plasgard glazed roof installed by Lonsdale Metal is designed to perfect light and heat for a carefully curated and comfortable atmosphere.
2. Kargo MKT
Media City at Salford Quays is the filming location for a host of household favourites and staples which counts BBC Breakfast, Match of the Day and The Voice among them.
And Kargo MKT is its best kept secret, home to a diverse array of food traders with a truly global selection of cuisines to choose from.
M’ien Noodles lets diners choose their own toppings to build their own Ramen bowl. Meanwhile, That Ziki specialises in gyros, and their sharing platters are a hit. Leopard Pie serves homemade Neapolitan pizzas, as well as decadent dough rings filled with burrata, perfect for dipping and sharing.
Other highlights include Ethiopian vendors, Vietnamese dishes, artisanal egg sandwich specialists and a well stocked bar with a happy hour that runs from 4pm until 7pm Monday to Thursday.
Kargo MKT is located near the Lowry Theatre, and the outlet centre of the same name featuring a range of high street brands with fantastic discounts, making Salford an underrated day out.
3. Radcliffe Market
Tucked away in the Greater Manchester town of Radcliffe, this food hall is located in a historic building which underwent recent renovation and is the vibrant heart of Radcliffe’s dining scene
Locals can enjoy live music at various points in the week, and the venue is dog friendly too, so you can bring your pup along or simply engage in a little pooch-spotting. You can even book in with the Guilty Barber Club for a fresh trim before tea.
In the centre of the market hall is a bar, where highlights include an array of quirky flavours from the Bolton Gin Company. Homegrown just up the road, varieties include traditional fruity favourites as well as Candy Floss, Blackjax, and Cola Cubes
Foodie favourites include traditional meaty fare from The Hungry Bulldog, Acapulco for Mexican food to share or savour solo, and Cowshed, whose highlights include shakes and sundaes that will satiate any sweet tooth.
Have you visited any of these hotspots? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!