/THE BEST OF MANCHESTER
THE Manchester Christmas Markets are back again for 2017, and there are plenty of festive wares on offer. But with hundreds of stalls across ten sites in Manchester, it can be a little daunting.
Where to start? Ease your way into the Manchester Christmas Markets with these stalls and attractions. Northern Soul Grilled Cheese Albert Square Bratwurst and burgers are all well and good, but Northern Soul stand out from the crowd with their outrageous grilled cheese sandwiches. Try their special this year - the Crimbo Dinner (£6). It’s a monster creation of turkey crown, gravy, stuffing, cranberry sauce, topped with a pig-in-a-blanket. Old Windmill House Albert Square This wooden-clad pub is no different from many of the other bars - you can buy beers, gluhwein, and other winter warmers. What sets it apart is the mezzanine, which offers stunning views over Albert Square, and allows drinkers the opportunity to quaff a pint almost eye-to-eye with Zippy the giant Santa. Ridiculously Rich St Ann’s Square Alan Sugar knows a thing or two, right? Or at least he knows a good brownie when he spots one. Ridiculously Rich is not a summary of Sugar’s bank balance, but the business of The Apprentice 2016 winner Alana Spencer. She sells sweet treats like creme brulee brownies and caramel slices from £3
a slice. Cathedral Gardens Ice Rink Cathedral Gardens Time to work off all those ridiculously rich brownies with a couple of laps around the Ice Rink. Sessions start from £10 for adults, £8 for children aged 4-16. Emerald City Cupcakes St Ann’s Square This Cheshire-based bakery is a must-visit for cake fans. Emerald City Cupcakes serve bright, fun, and delicious cakes from St Ann’s Square. Vanilla and strawberry, chocolate and mint, and chocolate Oreo are among the flavours you can get your mitts on, from £1.80 each. Highland Lodge New Cathedral Street Let’s not beat around the bratwurst sometimes the markets can get a little too busy. If you’re after a quiet cuppa without loosing out on the festive vibes, head to the Highland Lodge on New Cathedral Street. They have a cosy seating area and sell coffee for £2.50 and cups of tea for £1.50. George and Shelly’s Cathedral Gardens Sometimes the answer to a hectic Christmas Market is to chill in the Highland Lodge. Sometimes the answer is GIN. And lots of it. Visit George and Shelly’s for an array of interesting gins, or warm up with a cup of mulled gin for £5. La Cuisine Provencale King Street Walk down King Street and it’s impossible to miss the gorgeous aromas of La Cuisine Provencale. Provencal chicken with garlic potatoes is £6 for a regular, or go for a veggie option of garlic mushrooms with creme fraiche and garlic potatoes, £5.