There’s been a market on the same site in Bury dating back all the way to the 1400s, making it one of the oldest markets in the country. It’s been through one or two changes since. But it’s always been the beating heart of the town.
From butchers stalls and fishmongers to clothes, toiletries, shoes, bags, gifts, pies, cakes, delis and pretty much everything in between, it’s a constant hive of activity. All of life is there, and a wealth of family businesses stretching back years, and in some cases decades.
This is just some of the best of it…
F&V Brandwood
F&V Brandwood has been a linchpin of the indoor meat and fish market at Bury for more than 40 years. Always a busy hive of activity, you can pick up bargains daily (if you’re quick, the best are snapped up in seconds), as well as specialist cuts, whole ribs of aged beef, game and craft-butchered items like chicken breast cushions and beef wellington.
Turkish Gözleme
Always packed, this outdoor cafe specialises in Turkish delights. We’re talking freshly made-to-order gözleme (stuffed flatbreads) with all kinds of delicious fillings, pide (the Turkish answer to pizza), shawarma and even a full Turkish breakfast. Finish off with some sweet baklava.
Stall 25, Market, Edward Block, Murray Rd, Bury BL9 0BJ
Falafels and More
Sometimes the best things come from the most unexpected places. This family-run stall brings Iranian recipes from grandmother-to-mother-to-daugther, with chicken and lamb grilled in an ornate fireplace, and easily some of the best falafel you can buy in Greater Manchester. And likely well beyond. Finish off with some strong, aromatic Arabic coffee.
Family Loaf
Another family-run affair – as the name might suggest – you can pick up your daily loaf of sourdough alongside a host of traditional Polish delicacies, from cinnamon buns to gniazdo – or ‘nests’ – and some compulsory purchase doughnuts.
Stall 18-20, Garden Block, Bury Market, BL9 0QD
King Cuisine
Family-run King Cuisine is a Pakistani cafe serving up some stunning dishes. Grab a pakora or samosa as you walk past, or take a seat and you’ll be served one of the best value lamb niharis we’ve encountered, slow-cooked and served on or off the bone, or a generous biryani which will set you up for the day. In fact, you might not need dinner.
Unit 22-23 Toulmin Block, Murray Rd, Bury BL9 0BJ
Purdon’s Cheese
Run by Paul and Pam Purdon, this long-established cheesemonger doesn’t just stock the wealth of Lancashire cheeses available nearby – though they are Paul’s favourite – but cheeses from all over the world, from ripe camemberts from France to rich, tangy manchegos from Spain.
10-11 Toulmin Block, Murray Road, Bury BL9 0BD
Katsouris
Greek deli Katsouris has been part of Bury Market since 1969, when it introduced a wave of exotic groceries to the town. Olives, cured meats, cheeses, fresh salads, a myriad dried pastas and tins of tomatoes, fish and other Mediterranean fare, it remains an Aladdin’s cave for the foodie even today.
23-25 Market Square, Bury, BL9 0BD
Chadwick’s Bury Black Pudding
Tony and Mary Sinacola (nee Chadwick) are Bury Market royalty, having run Chadwick’s Bury Black Pudding for more than four decades together. Just a drop in the ocean, considering they can trace the history of Chadwick’s back well over a century. You can grab one hot from the boiler and eat it on a paper plate with a blob of hot mustard as you wander the market or grab a string to take home, and some tripe too if it takes your fancy.
Stall 7/8, Edward Block, Bury Market, BL9 0BJ
Peter’s Tea Room
One of the many spots in Bury Market where you can stop for a well-earned brew. Not to mention indulge in a vast selection of pies, cakes and freshly made sandwiches. Cosy up inside in the winter months, or soak up the sun on the patio outside in the summer.
Edward Block Stalls 6 and 19-23, Bury Market, Murray Road Bury BL9 0BJ
Harry Muffin
Found at the market bottleneck of Edward Block, the famous Harry Muffin always draws a crowd with its wealth of local delicacies – notably the Manchester Tart, of which they shift dozens upon dozens every day. You can also pick up a bag of proper oven-bottom muffins, and plenty of other lesser known items like the ‘currant flat’, Cissy Green pies from Haslingdon, and the best-selling wimberry pies (they’re a bit like a bilberry). No artisan nonsense, says owner Joanne, who’s been working there since she was 11. Just proper, old fashioned pies and cakes.
Stall 3, Edward Block, Bury Market, Bury BL9 0BJ
Read more:
The best of the Northern Quarter
The best restaurants in Stockport
The best proper caffs in Greater Manchester
