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A Culinary Tour of Manchester Arndale’s Vibrant Food Court

| Last Updated: November 2024

We all need to eat before, during, or after a visit to the mall. That’s why every shopping centre, like the vibrant Manchester Arndale (also known as “The Arndale”), wouldn’t be complete without its trusted Food Court.

While it may not be as posh as some of the best restaurants in the city, for the price, variety, and ease of access, nothing beats the quick bites at The Arndale’s dining hall.

Join us for a virtual tour of what the Food Court offers, and more!

What is the Manchester Arndale Food Court?

Media from Manchester Arndale

Manchester Arndale’s Food Court is the shopping centre’s in-house dining hall. 

Opened in 1991 and was then called “Voyagers,” this bustling food hub now has an 800-seat dining area surrounded by several food stores, ready to serve hungry travellers across Manchester centre’s Market Street.

Where is the Manchester Arndale Food Court located?

manchester-arndales-food-court-map
Image Source: Google Maps

The Manchester Arndale Food Court is at the mall’s second level. It occupies the entire floor. 

Its proximity to the shopping centre’s shops and attractions makes it a convenient stop for a quick meal or a break during shopping.

How to Get to the Manchester Arndale Food Court

Media from Manchester Arndale

Getting to Manchester Arndale and its Food Court is very easy, as the building is centrally located in Manchester’s city centre.

The Food Court can be accessed from inside Manchester Arndale’s upper mall level. Stairs, escalators, and lifts are available from the shopping centre’s interior.

If you’re coming from outside, here’s a list of ways you can get there:

  • Walking: If you’re on foot, say, from Piccadilly Gardens, walk in the direction going through Ducie Street and then Piccadilly Street until you reach Market Street.

    As you approach the intersection of Market Street and Corporation Street, look for the street-level escalators leading directly to the Manchester Arndale Food Court. If you need a lift instead, turn left at the corner right after the escalators (Booth pharmacy).
  • Nearest bus stop: If you’re taking the bus, get off the bus stop at Exchange Street. From there, cross Corporation Street to reach the Market Street area of Manchester Arndale and its street-level escalators and lifts.
  • Nearest tram stop: The nearest tram stops are Exchange Square and Market Street. Exchange Square is further along Corporation Street, while Market Street is just a corner away from Corporation Street and the escalators and lifts to Manchester Arndale Food Court.
  • Nearest train station: The nearest train station to Manchester Arndale is Manchester Victoria Station. From there, it’s just around a ten to fifteen-minute walk through Todd and Corporation Streets, to the shopping centre and its Food Court.

Best Time to Visit the Manchester Arndale Food Court

Manchester Arndale’s Food Court operates in sync with the shopping centre’s hours. So, whenever the centre is open, you can count on the food court being ready to serve hungry shoppers.

These are Manchester Arndale’s usual hours:

  • Monday to Saturday – 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
  • Sunday – 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
  • Bank Holidays – 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM

However, individual shops in the food court may have slightly different operating hours compared to the rest of the mall. Some might open a bit later or close a bit earlier.

Nevertheless, the best time to visit the Food Court is during off-peak hours, such as the hours between breakfast and lunch, or mid-afternoon, especially on weekdays. Visiting the second floor for a quick snack during these times will give you a smaller crowd and more seating.

Things to Know Before Going

The Food Court at Manchester Arndale is safe, but as a public area, it’s helpful to know a few things:

  • Parking: A 24/7 multi-storey, pay car park is available within Manchester Arndale. Entrances are on Hill Street (1.8 metre clearance) and Shudehill (1.9 metre clearance).
  • Toilets: Located beside the Arndale News stall, the toilets include baby-changing facilities.
  • Accessibility: The Food Court is accessible for people with mobility needs via lifts from street level (Market Street) and inside Manchester Arndale. There’s also an accessible toilet at the food court, and disabled parking is available at the mall’s car park.

Where to Buy Food at the Manchester Arndale Food Court

Pizza Slice – Manchester Arndale

Media from Pizza Slice

Address: Unit 19a, Food Court
Pricing: £ 
Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Saturday – 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
  • Sunday – 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Good to know: Has vegetarian selections
Menu

Starting off our list with a solid choice, Pizza Slice is a stall in Manchester Arndale’s Food Court serving different pizza flavours at great prices. The pies here are stone-baked, which ensures a crisp, toasty crust and tasty toppings for every slice.

Go for the Margherita pizza if you’re feeling traditional for the simple but proven delicious mix of Italian tomatoes, herbs, and cheese. For a bit of flair, try out Pizza Slice’s Chicken Tikka, a savoury and spiced pizza topped with—you guessed it, chicken tikka, red onions, and cheese.

Whatever you want (that’s on the menu), Pizza Slice has you covered.

Waffle Island – Manchester

Media from Waffle Island MCR

Address: Manchester Arndale Food Court
Phone: 0161 833 9851
Pricing: £ 
Operating hours: Daily – 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Good to know: Great for desserts
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Is your sweet tooth acting up in the middle of shopping at The Arndale? Head on to Waffle Island at the Food Court to get that satisfied.

Take a bite of Waffle Island’s signature Bubble Waffle, shaped into a cone and topped with the sweet concoction of your choice (may we suggest our current favourite, Nutella and Oreo?). The ‘island’ also has multiple kinds of milkshakes in the menu to follow up the sweetness.

Not a fan of waffles as they’re “too heavy?” No worries. 

Waffle Island also serves crepes and cheesecake. Lighter, yes, but still sweet.

Yangtze – Manchester

Media from YangtzeUK

Address: Unit K3, Food Court
Phone: 0161 850 8590
Pricing: £ 
Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Saturday – 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
  • Sunday – 11:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Good to know: Check out Yangtze’s food allergens list here
Website
Menu

Yangtze’s branch in Manchester Arndale’s Food Court may be just one of ten in the entire UK and Ireland, but it has its own unique charm. When you’re craving quick, hot, and tasty Asian fusion food, this is the place to be.

Pick a box and let the friendly staff fill it with three to five items of your choice. Start with some Egg Fried Rice (a favourite even Uncle Roger would approve of) and top it off with Sweet & Sour Chicken and even some Salt and Pepper Potato.

There’s also a sizable non-alcoholic drink menu with refreshments that perfectly complement the flavours of the main dishes.

Chopstix Noodle Bar – Manchester Arndale

Media from Chopstix Noodle Bar

Address: Unit 1, Food Court
Phone: 0161 850 9230
Pricing: £ 
Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Saturday – 10:30 AM to 8:30 PM
  • Sunday – 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM

Good to know: Has vegetarian options
Website
Menu

Another great Asian boxed takeaway spot in The Arndale’s Food Court is Chopstix. As one of the largest Chinese restaurant chains in the UK, Chopstix offers something for everyone.

The variety here is impressive. 

You can choose a base of Egg Fried Rice, Cauli Fried Rice (the vegetarian option), or Vegetable Chow Mein (noodles), and pair it with any topping of your choice. Our favourite is the Salt and Pepper Chicken.

Surprisingly, the star of the show is the Spring Rolls. These small, crispy, and delicious rolls, albeit served only as a side, keep many coming back for more.

Subway – Manchester the Food Court

Media from Subway® UK & Ireland

Address: Kiosk 7, Food Court
Phone: 0161 832 5617
Pricing: £ 
Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Saturday – 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
  • Sunday – 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Good to know: Has vegetarian and dessert options; Great for breakfast
Website
Menu

For a lighter or healthier option, Subway’s famous sandwiches are a reliable choice. It’s one of the best breakfast spots in the entire Arndale Food Court, partly because it opens early in the morning and is right beside the lifts leading to Market Street.

For a complete meal, try one of Subway’s meal deals, which includes a sandwich, a drink, one of its famous cookies, and a bag of crisps. 

Alternatively, you can “create your own” sub. The classic BMT or Veggie Delite are great options, whether you choose the 6-inch or foot-long variant.

Subway also offers wraps, salads, and breakfast sandwiches.

KFC Manchester – Arndale Centre

Media from KFC UK & Ireland

Address: Unit K6, Food Court
Phone: 0161 832 5417
Pricing: £ 
Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Saturday – 10:30 AM to 8:30 PM
  • Sunday – 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Good to know: Great for quick lunch or dinner
Website

The white-suited Colonel from the American South also has a firm presence at Manchester Arndale Food Court. KFC serves quintessential fast food, but we’re not complaining!

Drop by this KFC branch to have the Colonel’s Original Recipe fried chicken or a Zinger Burger with some fries (erm, chips, if we’re being really UK correct). No one’s stopping you from getting the chicken by the bucket or having a set meal, either, so carry on.

For those who prefer rice to fries, rejoice! KFC also offers Riceboxes, complete with a side of veggies.

Taco Bell – 32 Market Street

Media from Taco Bell UK 🇬🇧

Address: Kiosk 5, Food Court
Phone: 0161 832 0876
Pricing: £ 
Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Saturday – 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
  • Sunday – 11:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Good to know: Great for quick lunch or dinner
Website

Right next to our previously mentioned sandwich shop is the famous Taco Bell. It’s an excellent choice for a quick dose of Mexican-inspired flavour in your day.

You can never go wrong with having the beefy, cheesy and flat goodness of Taco Bell’s Crunchwrap Supreme, or a combo of its famous crunchy beef Tacos Supreme and a fizzy drink. The perfectly wrapped burritos are also stars in the shop.

It’s not strictly vegetarian like other restos can be, but there are veg options in Taco Bell’s menu for those who want something healthier and lighter to the tum, as well as desserts to cleanse the palate.

Pizza Hut Manchester Arndale Express

Media from Pizza Hut UK

Address: Manchester Arndale Food Court
Contact details: https://customercare.pizzahut.co.uk/hc/en-gb/ 
Pricing: £ 
Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Saturday – 10:30 AM to 7:30 PM
  • Sunday – 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Good to know: Great solo meal deals; Take home pizza
Website
Menu

Are you down for American-style pizza? Then hop along to the Pizza Hut Express store at The Arndale Food Court for a box (or two) of the delicious pizza here.

Pizza Hut’s pepperoni pizza is always a safe and tasty choice for dining in or taking home. For a more balanced option, try the Veggie Supreme, or explore any of the season’s limited-edition flavours.

If you’re eating solo right at the Food Court, the meal deals that feature a pizza or main, unlimited salad, and a drink (or dessert) aren’t terrible options at all. Well-balanced and, dare we say, a salad lover’s haven, innit?

McDonald’s Manchester – Arndale Food Chain

Media from Manchester Arndale

Address: Unit K2, Food Court
Phone: 0161 832 9706
Pricing: £ 
Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Saturday – 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM
  • Sunday – 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Good to know: Great for quick breakfasts before 11:00 AM
Website
Menu

No food court feels complete without the famous golden arches of McDonald’s. Opening early in the morning, it’s a great option for breakfast on-the-go.

Grab a trusty Sausage & Egg McMuffin with a cup of coffee if you’re in a hurry, or enjoy a plate of pancakes with butter and syrup for a sweeter start to the day. Remember, McDonald’s breakfast menu is available until 11:00 AM, so plan accordingly.

For later in the day, you can always opt for a burger. A classic Big Mac or Quarter Pounder and some fries will quickly satisfy a hungry tummy.

Arndale News

Address: Manchester Arndale Food Court
Pricing: £ 
Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Thursday, Saturday – 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
  • Friday – 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
  • Sunday – 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Good to know: Cash is king here
Website

Arndale News is a convenient newsstand in the Manchester Arndale Food Court, perfect for busy shoppers pre- or post- mealtime. Situated along the way to the public toilets, it’s easily accessible.

While the shop offers newspapers and magazines, it’s also a go-to spot for quick and small purchases, like grabbing a bottle of water, a bag of crisps, or a pack of gum. Essentially, it functions like a corner store (for non-Brits, think of it as a UK version of 7-11).

We recommend paying with cash at the till here, as it’s faster and avoids additional fees.

What to Do and See near the Manchester Arndale Food Court

Continue the food crawl at the Arndale Food Market

Media from Arndale Market

Manchester Arndale boasts not just one food area, but two! Once you’re done with the Food Court, why not take your meals up a notch and try out more eclectic, yet still bang-for-the-buck cuisine at the Arndale Food Market?

Here, you can savour a variety of dishes from Asian, South American, and African cuisines. You might just discover your new favourite international dish.

We love our readers, so we made a curated list of stalls to check out at the Arndale Food Market here. There’s surely something for everyone in this foodie hub.

Hit strikes and spares at King Pins

Media from King Pins Bowling

When you’re done with all the shopping, it’s always a good idea to unwind. Luckily, there’s a King Pins bowling alley right at Manchester Arndale for some leisurely strikes and more.

King Pins has 12 lanes, great for playing ten pin bowling in groups. Surprisingly, there’s also provisions for duckpin bowling, ten pin’s smaller but more challenging cousin in which balls don’t have finger holes.

For solo visitors, don’t worry! There are plenty of other activities, like arcade games, karaoke, and even a batting cage you can do to pass the time even without a companion.

Attend mall events at Manchester Arndale

Media from Manchester Arndale

Manchester Arndale isn’t just a shopping centre; it’s a community hub in the heart of the city. The Arndale’s management team ensures there are events open to the public all year round to attract and engage visitors of all ages.

Expect a variety of events, including special discounts and family-friendly activities during school and bank holidays. Seasonal celebrations, such as themed events of Easter, Halloween, and Christmas, are also a highlight that the whole family can enjoy.

For regular updates on what’s happening at Manchester Arndale, check its social media pages and official website for event announcements.

Fool your eyes at the Museum of Illusions – Manchester

Media from Museum of Illusions Manchester

The Mancunian branch of the famed Museum of Illusions is conveniently near The Arndale’s Food Court, along Market Street. Visiting the museum before or after dining at the food court is an exciting way to spend a rest day.

Fool your eyes (and brain) with the captivating exhibits. Most are interactive, like the Tilted Room that challenges your perception and balance, or the Head on a Platter that will literally and figuratively make heads roll.

Make sure to bring your mobile phone (or camera) to document your escapades with the Museum of Illusions’ fascinating installations.

FAQs about the Manchester Arndale Food Court

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