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All About the Historic Gem Called Altrincham Market
A town doesn’t feel like a proper town without its own market. Maybe that’s just us, but it does have some truth to it, doesn’t it?
You might remember our previous foray into some of Manchester’s best markets. Yes, we’ve explored plenty already, but we’re far from done!
Now, we headed off to Altrincham Market, one of the oldest English markets established by royal charter during the Middle Ages, to see how it holds up today. Read on to see what’s in store for you here, especially after its reinvention!
What is Altrincham Market?
Altrincham Market is one of its namesake town’s oldest public places. It has a long heritage, being established in the year 1290—the very same year Altrincham itself was granted a royal charter as a market town.
The town was considered an important trading post because of its proximity to the farmlands in Cheshire. It’s also an essential area near major motorways to and from Greater Manchester.
In 2014, the Altrincham Market underwent a huge overhaul—some might even call it a ‘rebirth.’
Nowadays, Altrincham Market is still considered one of the town’s community locations, serving as a marketplace, food park, and town square in one package.
It currently has three parts:
- Market House Altrincham (MHA) – Also called “Market House,” for short, it’s the main building of the entire market that houses around six food and drink shops. There is also seating in the middle of it all for those who’ll dine in.
- Alty Market (AM) – This part of the premises is directly next to Market House—its name can also refer to the whole market (quite confusing, but we get it). It’s a roofed outdoor structure with over 60 shops and seating for customers.
- New Market Square – This extension is a covered outdoor post for other longtime traders, located a short walk next door, along the cobbled Central Way. It’s also home to the private dining and event area for hire called “Shack.”
Best Time to Go
The best time to go to Altrincham Market is during the weekdays (Tuesday to Friday), in the afternoon, between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Most traders operate during these hours, so you’ll have more luck in catching open shops.
The busiest days of the market are on the weekends, with lunchtime as its peak, so if you’re planning to visit on these days, the afternoon is a sweet time to do so, too.
Things to Know About Altrincham Market
Operating Hours: Altrincham Market operates from Tuesday to Sunday. It opens at 9:00 AM and closes at 10:00 PM Tuesdays to Saturdays, then 6:00 PM on Sundays.
Parking: The nearest car park to those who’ll visit Altrincham Market is the disabled-only, 3-hour street parking spaces in front of it (along Market Street). For the general public, the Regent Road Carpark, a few minutes away, is the best choice.
Washroom: Washrooms are located in the Market House area of the premises. There are also accessible toilets and baby-changing facilities here.
Dogs: Thankfully, Altrincham Market is a dog-friendly establishment! Your furbaby can roam free here, but mind crowds and anything else that can distract or upset your pet—take appropriate precautions, of course.
How to Get Around Altrincham Market
Travelling southward to Altrincham Market from Manchester’s city centre (and vice versa) is a piece of cake, especially with the multiple modes of transport available to the average Mancunian commuter.
Here are ways to get around:
- Train – Altrincham Market is a five-minute walk from the Altrincham Interchange (station). So, if you’re coming in from a point in the city, say, Piccadilly Gardens, you can just ride a Northern Railway train and get off at Altrincham station.
- Tram – Riding a tram from Piccadilly or Market Street in the city is also as easy as pie. Just take the Purple Line or the Green Line tram, respectively, alight at the Altrincham Interchange, and do the five-minute walk to Alty Market.
- Bus – There’s also the option to ride the bus to get to Altrincham. However, we don’t encourage doing so, especially from the city centre, because it will entail multiple bus transfers—only do this if you actually live near enough.
- Taxi – The taxi ride to Altrincham Market is fairly easy, but getting a cab might not be as simple as hailing on the fly from the street. We highly recommend giving a taxi company in your area a call to sort out a trip to this destination.
- Car – Driving to Altrincham and its Market from Manchester city centre is a straightforward route, since the entire area is just a few streets away from the A56 motorway.
Where to Eat in Altrincham Market
Great North Pie Co. – Market House
Media from Great North Pie Co.
Contact details: 01625 522112
Operating hours:
- Monday – 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM
- Tuesday to Saturday – 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Sunday – 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Pricing: £
The Great North Pie Company is one of Altrincham Market’s long-time traders at its Market House wing. As its name suggests, it serves pie—not just your ordinary pie and mash, though, but a Supreme Champion at the 2015 British Pie Awards.
From its home kitchen roots to now having three branches throughout the city, it isn’t surprising to know that it’s one of the few traders in the Market that’s open every day of the week. A good ol’ reliable, if you ask us.
That said, expect around four kinds of pie to be available every day at the shop. The menu also changes every four months, ensuring that customers won’t get bored, yes, even with pie.
Soots Pasta
Media from Soots pasta
Contact details: 7554 662947
Operating hours:
- Thursday – 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Friday – 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Monday to Wednesday – CLOSED
Pricing: £
Soots Pasta is one of the newest food traders at the covered Alty Market, as of this writing. Having been named after owners Ellie and Ruth’s beloved cocker spaniel, this small pasta nook just exudes lovely energy and delicious treats!
To add, the food here is 100% plant-based, so you and your vegan friends won’t have any issues with enjoying the al dente pasta and tasty breads.
Top picks of the season (the menu changes regularly) are the pumpkin and ricotta girella, a type of short, curly pasta that’s best paired with the house-made focaccia (Italian-style bread). We can’t wait to see what next season brings to Soots!
Market House Coffee
Media from Market House Coffee
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday – 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Sunday – 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Monday – CLOSED
Pricing: £
Market House Coffee is one of Market House’s official caffeine boost suppliers. A familiar sight—it’s been operating for years, whipping up lovely cups of joe for the patrons of Altrincham Market.
It offers the basics like espressos, lattes, and Americanos, as well as quite a handful of tea varieties (we’re still in Britain, after all)! There’s also toast with butter and jam on the menu, especially splendid if you’re coming in for breakfast.
The coffee experience at Market House Coffee is as simple as it gets, but the great drinks and enthusiastic staff make it special. To take some of the ‘magic’ home, grab a bag or two of the shop’s speciality coffee beans.
Jack in the Box Altrincham
Media from Jack In The Box Altrincham
Contact details: 0161 819 2767, [email protected]
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday – 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Monday – CLOSED
Pricing: £
Whether you’re a huge fan of Blackjack Brewery beers or just love a good cold pint after some shopping, Jack in the Box’s Altrincham branch has you covered. It’s in the Market House area, so you can drink (and eat) comfortably away from the elements.
Last time we counted, there were over 10 types of beers (including real ales) available on tap at this Jack in the Box. Don’t worry, though, there are also guest beers in the menu that regularly rotate—now that’s a great variety of options!
Pico’s Tacos – Altrincham Market
Media from Pico’s Tacos
Contact details: [email protected]
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday – 9:30 AM to 9:30 PM
- Sunday – 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
- Monday – CLOSED
Pricing: £
Get a taste of Mexico at Market House when you order at Pico’s Tacos. Although its stall is quite small, the menu is surprisingly adequate, especially if you’re just there to grab a snack after shopping or spending some downtime.
Perhaps you’ll be tempted to order the usual tacos. However, we highly suggest you try out the charred corn esquites, which is a banging corn salad with a splendid mix of sweet, spicy, and savoury seasoning—think elote with more corn and without the cob.
Bounceback Food – Community Kitchen #1
Media from Bounceback Food
Contact details: [email protected]
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday – 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Sunday and Monday – CLOSED
Pricing: £
Bounceback Food is a UK charity at the front lines, working towards stopping food poverty. It was established in 2014, and to further its noble mission, it set up its first community kitchen right at Alty’s New Market Square in 2023.
So, how does this community kitchen work? Patrons can do a BOGO—buy one meal from them, and Bounceback will match it (this is the “give one” part) with a food donation to its partner food banks.
So, if you want your actions to matter (even something as simple as eating), then we think getting your next meal from Bounceback Food to pay it forward is a must.
Where to Shop in Altrincham Market
Sam Joseph Chocolates
Media from Sam Joseph Chocolates
Website: https://samjosephchocolates.co.uk/
Contact details: [email protected]
Any quick trip to Altrincham will surely become a bit sweeter with a take-home box of chocolates. This is where Sam Joseph can be extremely helpful.
The shop is neatly tucked in with the other food traders at Market House—loads of stunning artisanal chocolates are on display and ready for purchase. Truffles are the best sellers, but we think the popcorn clusters are a unique delight worth a try.
Moreover, it offers both freshly made fare like hot chocolate and pastries, so you can have your cocoa fix before travelling home. Nothing beats a great sugar rush before the trip home.
Reserve Wines
Media from Reserve Wines at Alty Market
Website: https://www.reservewines.co.uk/pages/store-altrincham
Contact details: 0161 706 0565, [email protected]
Reserve Wines, the Didsbury-grown business, is already a couple of decades old. It started with the founder’s mission to give more people the proper wine shop experience they deserve—and we think they’ve truly done so.
You can get wines by the glass or by the bottle at this stall and enjoy them right at the Market House dining area.
For more refined palates, wine flights (where you taste multiple, related wines in one sitting) and tasting events can even be arranged with the staff.
And while we’re at it, Reserve Wines has the friendliest people on its team, ready to answer any wine-pairing questions.
W&E Greene Luggage & Bags
Media from Winnie Greene
Website: Facebook page
Contact details: [email protected]
Winnie Greene and her bag and luggage shop is one of the oldest traders at Altrincham Market. Given this history, we’re not surprised at how big its shop at the New Market Square is—you won’t miss it when walking in from the side of Shaws Road!
To add to this feat, W&E also prides itself on having one of the most affordable prices for its goods in town. So, if you ever need a new set of luggage or a simple overnight bag, this is the place to go (or at least check first).
Chorlton Cheesemongers Altrincham
Media from Chorlton Cheesemongers
Website: https://chorltoncheesemongers.co.uk/pages/altrincham-market
Contact details: 07594 214 621, [email protected]
For Altrincham locals, there’s no need to go all the way up north to Chorlton just to stock up on premium cheese and dairy products. Luckily, the famous Chorlton Cheesemongers has a stall at the New Market Square at Central Way.
Although it’s only open a few days a week (Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays), spending some time to check it out is worth it.
But don’t just take our word for it—definitely visit to see why the Times ranked it as one of the best cheese shops in the UK back in 2024.
White’s Fruit & Veg
Media from Mark White
Website: Facebook page
Contact details: 07963 794755, [email protected]
Another long-term trader at the New Market Square is White’s Fruit & Veg. As the name suggests, it supplies the residents of Altrincham with some of the freshest produce in this side of Greater Manchester three days a week.
Its owner, Mark White, is a friendly bloke. He’s well-loved by the community for his lively banter, apt advice, and extensive greengrocer experience.
Definitely try the veggies here and strike up a chat with Mark to get an authentic feel of Altrincham Market.
Lovingly Artisan – Altrincham Market
Media from Lovingly Artisan Bakery
Website: Altrincham Market Bakery – Lovingly Artisan
Contact details: 01539 736664, [email protected]
A visit to the market won’t feel complete without buying some bread. If you’re visiting Alty’s New Market Square, you shouldn’t miss the chance to take home some lovingly made artisan sourdough!
With roots from Kendal, Lovingly Artisan brings top-notch baked goods from the talented baking team of Aidan Monks to us Mancunians.
Each loaf has only the most premium ingredients: organic, stone-ground, heritage-grain flour that gives an authentic British flavour, just like how the bread of our forefathers tasted. No wonder it got awarded as one of the UK’s best!
What to Do near Altrincham Market
Have a Reading or Study Session
Media from Trafford Libraries
Website: Altrincham Library – Trafford Council
Contact details: 0161 912 3189
If you’re looking for a place to hang out when the Altrincham Market is closed, then why not spend your free time at the Altrincham Library instead? It’s just a literal stone’s throw away (a.k.a. conveniently next door).
It’s open six days a week except on Sundays, so there’s a lot of time to spend reading books, doing your writing hobby, or just enjoying some silence. Aside from the books, you can also run some photocopying or printing errands here.
Lastly, keep yourself updated with the Library’s public events via the Trafford Libraries social media pages.
Watch a Movie
Media from Everyman
Website: Everyman Cinemas
Contact details: 01233 555642 (urgent Guest Services)
See the latest films at the Altrincham branch of Everyman Cinemas on your off-days or right after a weekend lunch at Altrincham Market, especially if you’re looking for a premium movie experience.
The best thing about this cinema chain in our books is its focus on the “luxury” side of movie-watching. The comfy and colourful “sofas” make you feel as if you’re right at home—but with theatre-grade popcorn and soda, of course!
High-definition projection and booming surround audio are the standard upheld here, too.
Hit Strikes at Bowling
Media from Lane7
Website: Lane7 Altrincham
Contact details: 0161 669 2430
If there’s one thing that we think the Altrincham Market needs, it’s definitely entertainment. However, we kinda get why there isn’t any trader or facility of this kind in the building—it’s not really related to a market, innit?
Do not fret, Lane7 Altrincham is just a few blocks away at Stamford Street. As the name suggests, the place has fantastic bowling alleys for individuals and groups to enjoy.
However, there’s more in store for your competitive self at Lane7. Arcade games, pool tables, dartboards, and karaoke are a few other activities one can try out here.
Take a Leisurely Park Stroll
Media from Friends of John Leigh Park
Website: John Leigh Park – Trafford Council
Contact details: 0161 912 2000
A public park is always a great option for spending some rest and recreation time. We highly suggest having a stroll in the John Leigh Park after going to the Market, to take in some fresh air and lush scenery and cap off the busy day.
Although the park is under the wing of the Trafford Council, it’s thoroughly maintained by volunteers. Which is why it isn’t surprising to chance upon locals trimming hedges or tending the grass on some days—say hi!
You can also consider volunteering for the park yourself!
Where to Stay near Altrincham Market
Travelodge Altrincham Central
Media from Travelodge UK
Website: Travelodge Altrincham Central
Address: Grafton Tower, Stamford New Rd
Contact details: 0871 984 6509
Pricing: £
Travelodge’s Altrincham Central hotel is a godsend for those on a tight budget. This well-known hotel chain provides travellers more than enough for a comfy night, without costing an arm and a leg.
Expect the basics, but still well within the standard quality: a cosy bed with soft beddings, a tea nook, telly, study table, side chair, and body wash in every room.
The only thing missing is a complimentary breakfast—but if you’re going to Market House to eat during the day, it seems like you won’t need one anyway.
46 Ashfield Road (Ashfield Altrincham)
Media from Visit Altrincham
Website: Ashfield Altrincham
Address: 46 Ashfield Rd
Contact details: 7938 491 676, 7798 623 782, [email protected]
Pricing: ££
Spend a night or two at any of 46 Ashfield Road’s chic rooms for a lively weekend stay at Altrincham. Although this place’s nightly fee is a bit on the steep side, we’re highly confident that you’ll find the complete experience perfectly adequate for the price point.
Aside from the typical hotel room inclusions, there is also Netflix access on the telly, great for catching up on your favourite streaming series. Also, since the entire stay only has six rooms, the service is top-notch and highly personalised for each guest.
We’re yet to see a hotel in the area that will match Ashfield’s dead good looks!
Tips When Visiting Altrincham Market
We know that we’ve already had a lot to say about visiting Alty Market, but here are a few more to bring it home:
| Remember that Altrincham Market is closed on Mondays Monday is a rest day for this buzzing area! Although a few shops still open on this day, a good majority don’t, so better time your visit to one when you can enjoy the entirety of the market. Commute via tram or train The best way to reach Altrincham Market on a commute is via train or tram, since the town’s station for both modes of transport is just a few minutes away. Mind the weather Don’t forget to wear proper clothing and accessories! Nobody wants to walk around this busy area feeling too hot, too freezing, or worse, too drippy. Bring reusable shopping bags for your goodies Avoid the hassle of having nothing to carry your shopping with by bringing your own reusable totes. |
