Manchester UK Christmas Markets

 

 

Christmas is a big deal in the UK. They have been advertising Christmas meals in the restaurants since we’ve been here and selling Christmas items almost as early. Here in Leeds, the German Christmas street market opened the 1^st weekend of this month. In Manchester, they waited until last weekend. We just happened to plan our weekend there to coincide with the opening.

They have German, French and local vendor markets set up. They all are within walking distance of one another, sometimes just flowing into each other. They have built wonderful wooden structures selling everything from ornaments to Gluhwein or mulled wine. Of course there are also tasty brats to eat as well as candy, chocolates and cheese and even gluten–free options. One of my favorite things were the still warm from the oven coconut macaroons. There were thousands of people walking through and spending lots of money. Looks like a tradition that should get started in Kansas City.

 

Here is a link to the cities Christmas  Market website: www.manchester.gov.uk/info/500241/christmas_markets

 

 





Byron - Manchester UK

 

Proper Hamburger, that’s what the neon lights proclaim above the windows of Byron, a Manchester UK burger joint. And proper they are. We arrived here for a late dinner after a show on Saturday night, in fact it was just about closing time when we were welcomed in. The place was bright and clean and had the feel of a large American diner. We were seated in a booth and the waiter promptly took our beer orders. Dan ordered the Byron Pale Ale, while I chose the Camden Gentlemen’s Wit. We both enjoyed them and they were served ice cold.

For dinner, Dan ordered the Cheese burger (7.95 pounds) served with cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and mayo. I went with the Chilli burger (8.95 pounds). It was served with green chillis, American cheese, shredded lettuce and chipotle mayo. Very spicy, very good and quite proper to say the least. The beef is Scottish and they cook them to medium, unless otherwise specified. We ordered a side of homemade skin-on chips, that were crispy and creamy (3.25 pounds) and onion rings that were very good (3.25 pounds). We were the last people in the place and they never tried to rush us out, in fact, our waiter came over and talked with us for a while. If you need a good burger and you happen to be in Manchester, this is the place to come.

They are located at 115 Deansgate, Manchester UK M32 M32   www.byronhamburgers.com

Manchester Architechture

 

 

Just a few shots of the architecture in Manchester. No matter where you looked, your eyes were filled with an incredible building or ornament.

Manchester UK Street Food

Of all the cities we have visited on our journey, I think Manchester has been my favorite. The people here are friendlier, the architecture is incredible and the food scene is vibrant. Manchester proper, has a population of about 400,000 people. The metro area, though, is comprised of about 2.7 million people, making it one of the largest metro areas in the United Kingdom. This past weekend the Christmas markets opened and I believe about half of those 2.7 million were in town. We had a blast! Between the Christmas markets, the street markets and all the restaurant choices, there was no shortage of dining options.

As we walked through the Manchester Street Food stalls, we were amazed at the choices of food. We had to stop and share an ostrich burger, because we had never tried one before and they were an award winning stall. The burger was grilled to perfection and topped with Jack Daniels onions, sweet chili & garlic mayo and wild rocket. The flavors were perfect together and the burger was a fine, messy meal!

In an area called The Avenue there were multiple food trucks serving wood-fired pizza, BBQ chicken, tacos and adult beverages. There was a wonderful large tee pee, called the Curious Tee Pee, that had a large central fire, a large bar and what looked like some really good frilled foods. There were local artists with booths set up selling art, textiles and food. There was even a wonderful tower slide for kids and adults as well as an open air ice rink with other pop up bars surrounding it.

 

 

 

If I had a choice of where to live in England, I would chose Manchester. The city had a Midwest feel with a large city approach to life.