Manchester Craft & Design Centre

Sara Jaspan, Exhibitions Editor
Manchester Craft and Design Centre by Joel C Fildes.
Manchester Craft and Design Centre by Joel C Fildes.

One of our favourite places in Manchester, Manchester Craft & Design Centre is hands down the most reliable one-stop-shop for unique, but not over-priced, gifts in the city. Welcome to the mecca of all things beautiful, handmade and one-of-a-kind.

For those who are unfamiliar, MCDC is housed in a former Victorian fish and poultry market in the heart of the Northern Quarter. It has been going strong for over 40 years, providing a home to some of the region’s most talented independent artists, designers and makers, selling textiles, jewellery, ceramics, prints, fine art, sculpture and more.

More than just a shopping experience however, a visit to MCDC is also an opportunity to browse the units of this beautiful building and enter into conversation with the various resident artists and makers at work. Running alongside, its regular programme of exhibitions, events and workshops offers plenty of guidance and inspiration for those looking to get creative themselves, while the artisan café & bar BQ Bitesize is a great spot to relax and refuel.

17 Oak St, Northern QuarterManchesterM4 5JD View map
Telephone: 0161 832 4274 Visit Now

Accessibility

Wheelchair access to ground floor studios only

Admission Charges

Free

Services and Facilities

Shops, exhibitions, workshops, events, gift vouchers available, café

Opening Hours

  • Monday10:00am - 5:30pm
  • Tuesday10:00am - 5:30pm
  • Wednesday10:00am - 5:30pm
  • Thursday10:00am - 5:30pm
  • Friday10:00am - 5:30pm
  • Saturday10:00am - 5:30pm

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

What's on near Manchester Craft & Design Centre

Until
ComedyManchester
The Comedy Vault

Every Monday night upstairs at Fierce Bar, The Comedy Vault hosts an outrageously funny open-mic night. Come and try your hand or just to watch and laugh.

free entry
MusicManchester
EXTC at Band on the Wall

Terry Chambers, the original drummer from XTC, brings the revered band’s classic songs to Band on the Wall this July.

ActivityManchester
Beyond the Music 2024

Hear directly from the people powering the music industry in both Manchester and the UK, as well as witnessing some of the North’s upcoming talent at Beyond the Music.

from £16.75
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Bar Italia at Band on the Wall

One of London’s most hyped bands of the moment, Bar Italia are playing Band on the Wall in support of their acclaimed 2023 album, The Twits.

from £15
MusicCity Centre
Fair Play Festival 2024

Following two sold out festivals, Fair Play is back to take over the Northern Quarter with a day of live music in all its ‘alternative’ forms.

from £15

Where to go near Manchester Craft & Design Centre

The exterior of Manchester Craft & Design Centre.
Manchester
Café or Coffee Shop
Oak Street Café

Oak Street Café at Manchester Craft & Design Centre does fresh, healthy salads, soups, sandwiches, quiches and, best of all, cakes.

Common Bar in Manchester's Northern Quarter
Manchester
Bar or Pub
Common Bar

Northern Quarter stalwart Common Bar in Manchester serves excellent pub food, fine cocktails and decent coffee. It’s a firm Creative Tourist team favourite.

Manchester
Restaurant
Home Sweet Home, Manchester

Home Sweet Home in Manchester’s Northern Quarter is a cafe and milk bar that does a mean line in cake, puddings and all things sweet – but its savoury menu isn’t half bad either.

Deadstock General Store
Northern Quarter
Deadstock General Store

This small shop has a well-curated range of stock that focuses on vintage homeware and gifts. From Japanese hemp socks to botanical paperweights and HAWS plant misters, each object is beautiful, practical and well made.

Manchester
Café or Coffee Shop
Ziferblat Manchester

Ziferblat is a pay as you stay café in the northern quarter, where everything is free – except the time you spend.

Manchester
Restaurant
Sweet Mandarin

Gordon Ramsay-approved Northern Quarter restaurant run by three sisters, featuring some of the city’s finest Chinese cuisine.

Manchester
Restaurant
V Revolution

V Revolution cafe specialises in Vegan “junk food” – it’s a fun concept with wickedly good results.

Manchester
Bar or Pub
Cane & Grain

Essentially three bars under one roof, Cane & Grain encompasses a rib joint and tap room, hidden speakeasy, and Tiki-themed Liar’s Lounge.

Manchester
Shop
NOTE Thomas Street

The sister store to NOTE’s original Tib Street branch, here you’ll find footware, clothes and brands inspired by the skateboard scene. If it’s a new board you’re after, head to Tib Street.

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