Manchester Craft and Design Centre

I visited last week and had a really memorable experience. The atmosphere, creativity, and attention to detail stood out, you can feel the passion behind everything. If you like creative or unique places, whether alone or with family, this spot is inspiring. Highly recommended, whether you’re from Manchester or visiting!

A beautiful cacophony of artisans selling everything from silver jewellry, felt work, oil paintings and ceramics amongst other things. Not only are these the cutest little shops they are also the artists studios which often offer classes as well as their beutiful products.` Be amazed at the array of gifts on offer all set under a stunning glass roof so when its rainy outside go visit. This building also contains Fred's cafe which should not be missed.

We popped in here expecting a bit more of an atmosphere. What transpired was a few jewellery shops (mainly empty) and one sad looking coffee stall in the middle of the centre which genuinely gave off the smell of fish. Overpriced artwork for sale on the walls - £145 for a painting of a flower! 🤣🤣 Don't waste your time coming here - underwhelming and nothing much to do!

A lovely artisan craft centre full of individual shops selling handmade jewellery, clothes, pottery, leather goods and paintings. Beautiful building with the sun streaming through the glass ceiling. Plus a lovely little cafe selling drinks and cakes. Definitely worth visiting if you're looking for a unique gift or piece of art.

I wanted a special ring to be made and approached Charlotte Verity in the Design Centre. She understood exactly what I was after and made me the most beautiful ring. I highly recommend the jewellers here if you are looking for something special !

Amazing place and very very nicely reused old building. I visit the place just for 5 minutes but it was so nice, that I stayed 45 minutes. Inside you will have different shops of crafts and arts. And all item are hand made. And you can see the artist working inside their shops and making new piece of art or craft. There is also a small space where kids can sit and make there own art piece. So you can also visit with your family. Definitely visit place in Manchester.

A vibrant community of local artists working with pewter, clay, wood, metal, textiles, and more. Their studios are spread across two floors in a lovely bright historical building. There's a cafe on the ground floor, too! Whether you're looking for a gift, a new piece of jewellery, a plant pot, or simply a greeting card, you can find it here - and support local artists and crafts people!

(Detailed review below) Food ⭐⭐⭐ Atmosphere ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Accessibility ⭐⭐⭐ Cost ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Service ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This is a great place to go to if you're looking for unique gifts, art pieces and also your purchases will help a local artist! I like the concept that they've set up here and it's nice to see the artists busy working away on their pieces whilst waiting for customers. Cost is tough one; some pieces can be expensive but you are paying for quality craftsmanship.

Gorgeous creative space with 20 plus studios bursting at the seams with unique, one off pieces ranging from jewellery to artwork. I LOVE this place, they showcase a lot of local talent. There is a cute coffee shop that sells the usual tea, coffee, cake and small plates so it's perfect for a coffee and a browse. Fun Fact: Back in the day this used to be the local fish market, the original features including the tiles still remain in tact. On some days I swear you can smell residual fishiness but that could just be my mind playing tricks on me!

Angela's absolutely right, this place is so easy to miss. When I first happened upon this place by accident, thankfully after I'd hauled Lex G all over the Northern Quarter in an attempt to locate Teacup she still had the energy to spot this gorgeous, adorable building and say, 'What's that?' Me being the investigative yelper that I am said, 'I have no idea. Let's have a look.' Thank goodness we did, because I thought places like this only existed in small towns, at Cedar Farm (a beautiful little crafts-driven farm with shops in Mawdesley that I highly recommend... ahh, my rural homeland radius) or in Brighton. Literally, I felt like I'd stepped into somewhere along the seafront in my brother's resident city, because the last time I saw open studios and handmade jewellery for sale, I was indeed in that picturesque place by the sea. From the outside the building is pretty, but when you walk in it really takes your breath away. Delightful little exhibitions, artists at work... I instantly made a mental note to bring mothers here, mine or in-law, the next time they're in Manchester as they love places like this. The centre has such a lovely quaint feel to it, and goodness me, tranquil? I couldn't have felt more tranquil had you tipped a load of Kalms tablets down my throat and given me a Slanket and a chocolate Horlicks. And whether you're naturally a chilled out person or slightly neurotic and over-organised like myself, no doubt walking in here will instil in you a sense of calm that you'll struggle to find anywhere else in Manchester. The work for sale is exceptional, and I myself was instantly attracted to the wall hangings comprising of collages of iconic Manchester photographs, such as street signs, buildings, bands, restaurants and so forth. I could have stayed in here for hours.You're bound to come home with something special and unique here gifts-wise. Cafe Aromat has its own website and looks absolutely mouthwatering, so I promise that when we pop in again I'll get some munch there and let you know how it is. I know, I suffer for my art don't I. *Winks.*

Staying on an art tip, the Manchester Craft and Design Centre is a great place to wander round on a rainy or snowy afternoon. Situated on the edge of the Northern Quarter, it's a characterful, two storey building that houses a tiny cafe and dozens of independent studios. Every studio seems different from the last with designers and makers selling everything from intricate jewellery, hats and scarves to photos, paintings, canvases and sculptures. As well as stocking lots of unique and distinctive gifts under one roof, the Craft Centre offers people the rare opportunity to buy work direct from the artists that made it.

Popped into the Craft and Design Centre today during Fiesta Del Fuego for a sit down and drink somewhere that wasn't overrun with people. It was like a little haven. Out front, the tables were all taken, inside was the same story - but wait, what's this? They'd opened up the back of the cafe onto a fenced off area owned by the centre. Browsing the menu, we quickly got distracted from our main mission, talking about how great it would be to work near here - £5 for a takeaway lunch and a hot drink? Yes please! Back onto the drink thing, despite our initial determination not to drink much, we spotted the delicious sounding Persian Cooler - Beefeater gin, fresh mint, and rosewater lemonade. Remembering how delicious the gin and rose lemonade was at the Yelp Teacup event, I went for this, and the other half followed suit. It took a while for the drinks to come out but when you're sat in the sun and relaxing on a Bank Holiday, why complain? The drinks were delicious, refreshing and different. I hope the Craft and Design Centre remains a hideaway for those days when you're in the NQ but don't fancy any of the bars.

A great place to wander in to if you're looking for some gift ideas this Christmas, or to be honest any gifts for any time of the year. There's around 20 independent businesses in this lovely part of the NQ selling everything from jewellery to crafts, clothes and everything in between. There's a lovely cafe in the middle making it a proper place to hang out and enjoy some tranquility away from the sometimes crowded bars and coffee shops situated around the corner and they do a full range of drinks and hot food. The architecture of the building is pretty damn impressive, pretty much the old market I believe and it's great to see them restoring it somewhat to it's original use. Check it out if you're after a hidden gem.

I love this place! I really can't believe I never knew it existed! It's an old market place that been turned a new market place, only it sells crafts and things of beauty instead of fish and chicken (see photo of converted shops). There's a pewter smith, someone that makes beautiful birds, paintings, printed scarfs, jewellery. I didn't get nearly enough time to go into the shops but the ones I was in were lovely. I intend to come back and get some Christmas presents here as there's lots of stuff that'll be more or less unique once I bring them up north to Scotland. There's also a little cafe if you fancy a brew and a sit down and the lady running it was very friendly. The upstairs loo could maybe do with a refurb but this is a very minor point in a place I really felt excited in.

A nice quirky old market hall which has been transformed into a selection of artists and artisans studios. Everything looks lovely however it's almost all severely overpriced by about 2000%! The cafe looks nice and was doing a good trade. They don't look like they do any breakfast lines apart from pancakes but the cakes look delicious. I'll pop back again to give it a try. The shops/studios are worth a look around once every year or 2. A great place to escape from a squall of rain!

Now I am not a massive art fan. Don't get me wrong here....I can appreciate good art however I am no expert. I do however come from an 'arty' family and I am engaged to a designer who all know there stuff. When I came here with my mum and sister I immediately put on my best 'I'm so bored can we go to a nice restaurant instead face'. By which time my mother was already in one of the little art shops that line either side of the walkway. I decided to go with it ....as I am a great sport and and never one to moan (hehehe), and actually to my surprise I ended up the last one to leave with my mother beckoning me to move on to a cafe down the road. I think my experience speaks for itself. I stand converted.....well kind of !

I've lived in Manchester now for six months and I've only just discovered that this amazing place existed. How on earth did I miss it? Manchester Craft and Design Centre is an amazingly cool old indoor market that's been turned into tow tiered hall of small studios and boutiques. All of the artists in residence are selling their work, ranging from photography to jewellery to knitting and lots in between. It's a lovely, light and airy hub of Manchester's creative community. A true gem of Manchester.

Since the renaissance of the Northern Quarter the long running Arts & Crafts centre has begun to attract both talent and attention. Spread out over two floors the centre corridors are lined with artists, jewellery makers, designers and potters at work. It is a working art gallery with one major difference- not only can you buy the work on view but you can actually afford it! And should your little legs tire or your brain boggle with 'so much stuff so little time' overload, there is a brilliant little cafe (which I've wrote about elsewhere on the site) on the ground floor.

This is a very special place that can be easily overlooked in a city consumed by corporate shopping centres. The Manchester Craft and Design Centre houses 16 design studios that are open to the public, so not only can you see very talented artists and jewellery designers at work, you can buy some amazing pieces for yourself or even discuss commissions. One of my favourite artists here is silversmith Jo Lavelle who produces contemporary but affordable silver rings and necklaces that are to die for. Apart from silversmiths you can find dressmakers, ceramicists and painters here too with frequent exhibitions. Even if you just sit in the cafe and admire the beautiful architecture of this building you'll feel it's time well spent.

The place for unique gifts from local makers The Craft and Design Centre is set in a beautiful refurbished Victorian market building with two floors of local makers and craftspeople, with on-site cafe and meeting spaces available to hire. If you're looking for wedding gifts and wedding rings, gifts for kids and adults, homewares, prints, photos and paintings, they're all here under one roof, and what's even better is that you can be sure that what you've found is unique and special. Many of the makers also offer bespoke services so be sure to ask!

A lovely little place full of individual and unique treasures. Whether you are looking for a nice bespoke piece of jewellery or something to adorn your wall then this place is a real find. Many of the shops offer courses where you can make things yourself. Cafe serves a good range of homemade snack and cakes. I recommend the Aztec tea which was a lovely spice and chocolate tea.

I only just found Manchester Craft and Design Centre last Saturday whilst wandering with a friend. It's such a beautiful building and has a vast selection of different shops- from one-off jewelry pieces to original art and crafts. The building is a lot bigger than I expected and unfortunately isn't promoted enough! It's definitely a place all arty people should check out, but to be honest I'm not really that good at art and I loved it! There are small exhibitions, a cute cafe and there's a really relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. I think the building is the perfect place for the centre; old and beautiful from the outside, modern and chic inside. I suggest taking a while to have a good look around- it's not the kind of place you can have a quick look around because of all of the lovely trinkets you'll just end up staring at for a while. Seriously, have a look out for it; even though it's quite secluded and out of the way it's definitely worth the trip.

If you're one of those tired of high street jewellery or concerned about wearing something someone on the street already has..or just looking for something personalised to 'stamp' your mark on it, then this is the place to go. It's not on the main road and it's poorly signposted. So use google maps or ask staff working in the northern quarter for directions. Don't give up if you can't seem to find it. It is a treasure trove for those who do. I've had a bangle made from silver adjusted to be smaller here in one of the stores. Because most of them are the 'smithies' themselves, they can adjust and personalise anything for you. Even make things from scratch. My fiancée (now husband) made my engagement pendant here. He basically took the picture (yes, it was framed and all) to one of the silver smiths here. And they... just...made it. I never knew these kind of things could be possible. Pity I don't stay in Manchester...or a lot of my jewellery is coming from there for sure.

I love all things individual and unique and you will always find something that fits this discription at the Craft & Design Centre. A great place to buy or comission handmade jewellery or original artworks from local crafts men and women. I always visit if a special occasion is coming up and with it being in the heart of the Northern Quarter is easy to get to on a lunch break if you work in town. Just remember unique isn't cheap but you definately get quality. #Art #Craft #Manchester #Gifts

I came in here on a recent trip to Manchester, just to go to the toliet and get some light. It is over a few floors and they is very little room on the first floor. They is a cafe here, with seating. They is only one toliet here, hence you may have to wait, this is only on the ground floor experience, and it is the same toliet for both men and women. It isn't a big building but still they is big queues for the toilets at peak times, so even an additional toilet would help. I am not the biggest fan of art hence didn't like it here very much hence was not a big fan of here, despite having 2 floors or so it isn't very big hence you would expect it to be noisy,with all the people crammed in one little space, but as this is a more upper-classed art centre, it was quite quiet. This room echos, hence if someone talks slightly louder than others at the end of the room, you can hear them like they are shouting at a football match, hence another reason for this building being quiet, people stay silent like a library. It is an old style building and I approached this place, wondering what is this place, and I muttered to myself that it wasn't worth going in but still I did and I am disappointed I did. I definitely would put this in a list to avoid for people like me, needing light after parking in a very unlit area nearby, I don't even think this is a good enough place for that, The toliets here probably have a wait just as long as being in the busy Arndale, because at least they have numerous toliets there. This is such a small, dull place, I didn't think it would be on Yelp never-mind have 10 reviews of each 5 and 4 star. I am not calling everyone who has reviewed here wrong and deluded but they must of seen something that I don't, as I am probably one of the biggest haters of Craft and Design, most places out of a topic, I don't love can find a way to impress me and intrigue me to know more, but here just doesn't do that for me. How this place could improve: - Wheelchair Access, I noticed that they was little places on the first floor, alongside a cafe hence if you are disabled or need a wheelchair then it is not worth even bothering. - They is only one toliet for the ground floor and I think the whole building, it is unisex hence they will be long lines of both genders waiting for the same toliet. - You can't really get away with talking in here, because it does echo really loud , even the slighest sneeze sounds like you are being stabbed due to the loud echo! - It isn't very big here, and they is some independent places but it is just some. - None of the staff, approached me to ask if I was okay and none seemed very friendly.

I went here with my sister and boyfriend recently, we all walked around the whole place and must have said with delight " Oh.. look at this" at least 20 times between us! (and I managed to get one of my sister's Christmas presents in the bag - Shhhhhhh!) There are so many original hand-made and well crafted items to discover in here, the 19 small studios are arranged over two floors around the four walls of what was an old Victorian fish and poultry market. You get to see articles been worked by the artist/craftsman in their workshops which is an added bonus and much like being on some kind of ... well... crafts tour!? Work ranges from jewellery, clothing to furniture, textiles, ceramics, photography and painting. We stopped for a very British brew after being inspired by the architecture of the building, I did notice that they had high chairs for little ones too, and plenty of space for buggy's.... I kept this in mind as a good place to take some of my friends that are mums. I plan a return visit, if not at least to get future unique gifts...but to also check out one of the exhibitions on show that compliment the wares for sale!

Based in what used to be a fish market, Manchester Craft Centre is really lovely, and a welcomed change from the chain stores and conglomerates that populate the British shopping landscape. It's a small, airy market layout, with numerous wee studio/shop spaces around the ground floor and adorable upstairs gallery. I won't go into great detail about the wares on offer here, as I've written separate reviews for my fave shops (Lily Greenwood and Nell) but I will say that if you're looking for a nice gift, something out of the ordinary and special, you're likely to find it here. Along with a few presents for yourself! As well as the crafty ladies I'm so fond of, there are places here that do really spectacular artsy jewelry, and even a place where you can design your own wedding rings. The café is lovely, and serves delicious lamb burgers. It's worth the visit alone, before you even contemplate the wonderful crafts on offer. Places like this are few and far between in this day and age, so it's really important that people support them...by spending money there!

BUY LOCAL. Hard to find but worth the digging. Art & craft studios in an old mill. Just the place for an unusual gift or two. Definitely worth a look - particularly upstairs.

The Craft & Design Centre is one of my very favourite places in Manchester. Filled to the brim with independent designers, jewellery makers, artists and numerous other crafty types. I don't allow myself to go here as often as I like because, quite frankly, I'd be bankrupt. My favourite part of the whole centre though is the little cafe. Serving homemade cakes, soup and sandwiches (plus the best coffee in Manchester), it's a hidden gem in the bustling world of the Northern Quarter. Go, eat the millionnaire's shortbread, thank me later.

Jessica Livsey is the textile designer behind Fibre Design. Based upstairs in the Craft and Design Centre she creates greeting cards and artwork. I have bought a number of her pieces over the years, both for myself and as gifts. Fabric, paper, text and dried flowers are collaged onto her work to create unique pieces. Domestic scenes such as kitchens and homes are popular, along with seasonal work for Valentine's Day, Mother's Day and Christmas etc. Framed pictures make popular gifts for weddings and housewarmings and I have my own 'Home Sweet Home' collage hanging in the hallway at home.

An arts institution in Manchester, been here for as long as I have - if not longer. Cool gifts, good art work, nice exhibitions occassionally , and you can get bespoke items made if you chat with the artists. For heaven's sake City Council, don't ever sell the building to developers!!

A must if you're pottering around the Northern Quarter. The craft centre has been here for years...and years...and years. I still love looking around and have a fair few momentous on my shelves from my pottering!

Looking for a one off piece of jewellery, a piece of art tailored for you or just a damn good fruit bowl to wow and zazzle your friends? Pop into the Manchester Craft and Design Centre on Oak Street in the Northern Quarter and craft yourself silly. A gorgeous artsy centre slap bang in Manchester's creative hub, the Craft and Design Centre sell and create a range of items to suit all tastes and budgets. A particular favourite of mine is the delicate copper-wire jewellery which adds charm and sophistication to any collection without the Tiffany's Price tag. The Centre is also the perfect place to pick up a gift, even for the most obscure or particular tastes. I usually go here when picking things up for girlfriend's birthdays. The place has all the sparkle and kitschness of Accessorize without the mass produced feel that you get from big chain stores. If you manage to find someone else who has the same purse or bracelet as you its more like a doppelganger miracle than an embarrassing coincidence. Their artwork is also great with some lovely washes to warm up a home, cute little miniatures to collect and some great postcards and greetings cards which really brighten up an office or make a birthday special. If you want a real one-off made in Manchester, head to the Manchester Craft and Design Centre.

I never bought anything at the Craft and Design Centre, although I easily would today. It's a pretty small maze of petit boutiques that have pottery, paintings, and jewellery on display (and up for sale). It may indeed be missed or even not found, and the place is not grand in size. Yet it's got the character (especially the Victorian steelwork), having once housed the fish market.

Very nice to browse and find something unusual and unique. Great for present too. I bought my wedding ring from one of their shop and it is so unique and special! They have different shops run by artists such as accessory shop, leather craft shop, paint shop, cloth shop etc. You can see artists are making them too. They also have a nice cafe and foods looks great. It is one of the best place to see in Manchester!

This place is fantastic and I don't get why everyone doesn't know about it! Based in the old fish market building and it's a beautiful building, just off Tib Street in the Northern Quater. The craft centre houses a number of studio spaces each home to an ecclectic mix of local based crafts people, silversmiths, dressmakers, accessories, painters, potters A few familiar faces have moved on while others have been based here for many years. It's a great place to find original gifts and pieces for the home that will be talking points and a diverse cluster of Manchester's talented artists.

I love the fact this place merges creative arts and independent small businesses! This is a brilliant centre and i recommend it to anyone who wants to buy a unique and quirky gift or a treat for ones self!

This is a great place for buying gifts, although only ones for people you really like as it can be quite expensive! It's brilliant for individual pieces of silver and glassware and there are some stylish contemporary artists there too. It's a surefire winner for gifts for people who have everything - you'll always come across something new. Plus the cafe (Cafe Aromat) is extremely friendly and does amazing cakes.

Not sure if this is still classed as a hidden gem, but it's not an in your face venue tucked as it is in the heart of the Northern Quarter. Chock full of independent crafts folk and their items for sale, the Craft and Design Centre should appeal to most generations. From fancy original jewellery to framed canvases by local artists and stunning pottery - heck even my mum on a recent visit loved this place. Set over two floors in the old Smithfield fish market , aside from it's craft and design collections inside it's also a fine piece of low scale Victorian architecture (wonderful glass ceiling). My mother and missus were quite taken with the aforementioned jewellery, but also the fine range of glass and ceramic arts. I got a lot of enjoyment out of the photograph (particularly the Edward Chadwick studio) and painting studios and have my eye on a few pictures which I'll return to buy soon enough. At the time of writing there is a studio space free should any budding crafts folk wish to rent here. I'm none too sure over the prices but I'd hazard a guess you would get a good price for such a good location. There is also a small cafe/restaurant downstairs and it's worth taking 15 minutes out for share the wonderful vibe inside the building. Long may it continue.

So easily missed. PERFECT for presents - a real gem. When you find it, tucked away in the Northern Quarter you'll wonder how you never visited it before. The talent producing beautiful things within those four fish-market walls is world class.

Lovely place to look around, with lots of independent shops, mainly jewellers. Its fab if you want to buy a gift which is a little bit different & its never too busy so a nice haven from the clamour of the Arndale! Only downside is that its closed on sundays & bank hols.

Manchester Craft & Design Centre is the best place to go if you like things on the querky side. Great for unusual pressies & wonderful for that special 'perk you up' jewellery that we all need from time to time! Well worth a visit. X

I love this place! Great for browsing local designers and buying presents. Great range of little shops with different products and prices for every budget

I love this place! A collection of interesting and highly talented designers!