Makers Market Northern Quarter Manchester -13th November 2016

I love the Makers Market concept, bringing together artisan food and drink producers, arts and crafts specialists, in Manchester, Cheshire and North Wales.   On the second Sunday each month, the market is held in Stevenson Square, Northern Quarter, my favourite area of Manchester, so its a perfect way to spend the day.  

I was overjoyed to know The Ottomen, who sell contemporary Ottoman and Mediterranean inspired street food, would be there, as I have been dying to try their vegan mezze.

What great guys, lots of banter and interaction with people, it was quite noticeable from watching how popular they were, with a constant stream of customers, whereas the two stalls next door, were very quiet.

Anyway on to the food, they put together a mezze including falafel, houmous, tabbouleh and fattoush salads, pickles, chillies, gigantes beans, fried shallots, flat bread, tahina sauce, harissa and green finger chilli drizzle.

I adore this kind of food, it has everything, variety, textures, flavours, colours and looks inviting, what's not to love, it got the big thumbs up from me.   So thanks to The Ottomen, watch out for them at markets in Manchester and at pop up venues, such as The Pilcrow pub.

Whilst wandering round the market, it jumped out at me, how much vegan friendly products, have become mainstream, so here is a quick round up.

I found Simone at The Naked Candle company, who hand make soy based candles and available to purchase online too.   There were other candles stalls, but I was attracted initial by this sign and the attractive display.

I could not resist the Christmas candle, with gorgeous aromas of Frankincense and Myrrh and a burn time of 45 hours.   I avoid most candles, normally made with beeswax or other animal products, so it was fantastic to find these quality, vegan friendly and locally made in Manchester versions.

Next I found Evie on her stall Raw Bake Station selling vegan cakes, so many to choose from, it was a difficult decision.  

I chose three to takeaway and share with Steven, with a cup of tea, at our hotel later that afternoon.

 Rum and Raisin Brownie 

 Coconut Cream Slice 

S-Nutter

The cakes were delicious, lovely textures and fabulous flavours, just shows to make awesome cakes, you do not need dairy, eggs or refined sugar.   You can also buy them online too.

There were various other stalls selling vegan pies, more candles, beers and cakes, you could happily munch and drink your way round the whole market.

We headed off to Soup Kitchen for a warming beetroot and coconut soup, shame I had no room for their Sunday roast of the day, mushroom wellington.

On the way back to our hotel, we walked past the new home of V-Rev Vegan diner, who have moved from Oldham Street, but due to various building issues, their opening has been delayed, which must be mega stressful.   However who cannot be tempted by such a fantastic colourful frontage and once open, I will be back.

I highly recommend a day out to the Makers Markets and look forward to visiting again soon.