What do they sell?

NEW to Manchester, the fortnightly real food market does exactly what it says on the tin, quenching people’s thirst for high-quality, seasonal and local produce.

Launched in April 2009, the market boasts a brilliant selection of farmers and traditional producers, who twice a month bring their fresh home-grown and home-reared produce from local farms into the heart of the city.

Freshly made chicken and mango kormas, a huge array of traditional pies, and Savin Hill Farm's traditionally reared sausages and hamburgers all provide a mouth-watering lunch alternative.

Continental produce like French baguettes, plump stuffed vine leaves, Turkish baklava and marinated olives offer a deli-style treat. There is also fresh fish and Lake District reared meats to take home.

Trevor Duerden’s fine fudges, produced to a secret recipe in Burnley for three generations, provide a special sweet fix, alongside beautifully constructed almost-too-good-to-eat cup cakes and brownies from bakers The Dish Ran Away with the Spoon.

Most of the stallholders are family owned businesses who have honed their trade over decades. Food heroes like Graham Kirkham, whose Lancashire cheeses earned him the title of 2009 Producer of the Year at the Manchester Food and Drink Awards, are a regular fixture at the real food market.

The market strives to represent the seasonal face of British produce, so there is always something different on throughout the year.

As well as food, the market attracts traders selling hand-crafted ethical gifts, trinkets and jewellery.

Whether you are looking for an ethical alternative to the local supermarket to do your food shopping, a delicious and healthy lunch-on-the-go, or for some interesting ingredients for the weekend, the market provides a unique open-air shopping experience.

Do you want to sell in Manchester’s real food market?

Manchester City Council is always keen to hear from people who wish to trade at the real food market. For more information, click here