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

Craft Beer Tour Around Manchester
Until
ActivityManchester
Craft Beer Tour Manchester

Join Craft Beer Tour Manchester for a journey through some of the cities best local breweries and artisanal beer serving bars. Discover the personality of Manchester’s beer through a diverse range of pints.

from £35
Until
ActivityLiverpool
Old Dock Tours, Liverpool

The Old Dock tour is a treat for younger and older visitors alike, fans of Liverpool’s maritime past, and anybody curious about local history.

£8.50 with concessions
Until
ComedyManchester
Creatures of the Night Comedy Club

An insanely committed seven-nights-a-week, Creatures of the Night Comedy Club opens its doors (20.30-22.30 typically, though please check) for evening after evening of side-splitting comedy.

from £5.00

Where to go near Manchester Craft & Design Centre

food and drink
Liverpool
Restaurant
Sanskruti

Sanskruti is a vegetarian and vegan Indian restaurant, serving an array of fresh, brightly coloured dishes in Liverpool’s Business District.

food and drink
City Centre
Bar or Pub
Brass Monkey

Brass Monkey is a quirky bar with swings serving delicious drinks, tucked away down a quiet street in the centre of Liverpool.

food and drink
Liverpool
Restaurant
The Botanical Gin Garden

The Botanical Gin Garden is a seasonal outdoor gin bar, open six months a year, serving a wide selection of delicious gin drinks.

food and drink
City Centre
Bar or Pub
Cafe Tabac

Cafe Tabac is the longest running café bar in Liverpool, serving food and drinks to arty locals and curious newcomers.

food and drink
City Centre
Bar or Pub
McGuffie’s

Formerly a vintage chemist, McGuffie’s is a cosy cocktail bar located in a historic venue on Liverpool’s Castle Street.

record shop
Liverpool
Shop
Dead Air Records

Dead Air Records is a vinyl shop in Liverpool, offering a perfectly curated selection of records and a friendly space for music lovers.

City Centre
Shop
Root House Plants

The ultimate destination for seasoned plant lovers and beginners alike, Root sell a wide selection of gorgeous houseplants.

shop
Liverpool
Shop
Resurrection

Resurrection is a long-established clothes shop, selling quirky items from both larger and niche brands to Liverpool’s fashion lovers.

food and drink
Restaurant
Belzan

Belzan is a modern bistro serving delicious food in a relaxed and friendly setting, in an unexpected location.

food and drink
Restaurant
NORD

A Scandi-inspired restaurants that celebrates Northern hospitality, with a seasonal menu made from locally-sourced ingredients.

food and drink
Liverpool
Restaurant
Mahoe Blue

Mahoe Blue is a bar and bistro that serves authentic Jamaican food in a cosy venue in South Liverpool.

Manchester District Guides

Culture Guides

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

From contemporary dance to ballet classics, and cult rock ‘n’ roll musicals to new writing, our theatre guide spans the festive season and beyond.

A man and a woman stood in front of a window at night look into each others' eyes
Cinema in the North

Hollywood greats and early bird film fest tickets are on our horizon as we head into the new year.

Music in the North

Warm, intimate storytelling is the thread connecting our new picks, which include a number of brilliant folk artists.

A sculpture of a dark brown dog looks to the right, hanging out of its middle and the back are what appears to be its insides (in cream) spilling out.
Exhibitions in the North

From genre-defying art film to vibrant embroidery and Surrealist sculpture, check out the best winter exhibitions to see right now.

Raver Tots at Escape to Freight Island
Family things to do in the North

As we move into festive season, Manchester and the North is packed with fun events and activities for families, both indoors and outdoors.