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A 'first-of-its-kind market c elebrating the best of independent retail, food and drink is to the Campfield building in Manchester city centre this autumn. Every Saturday from early November, the historic Campfield campus in Manchester’s St. John’s neighbourhood will transform into a vibrant city market thanks to street food company GRUB. It will span 50 artisan shops, a European-inspired food hall and local produce market. Developed by Allied London and operated by Department, Campfield is now a tech and AI campus set within three historic Grade II-listed buildings. It also encompasses p roduction studios, workshops, flexible workspaces, and Exchange. Jason Bailey, GRUB’s director, said: “GRUB is back in Manchester city centre with Campfield Market, a weekly prestige market experience. Join our Manchester Food and Drink WhatsApp group HERE "Manchester has been crying out for a proper market experience and we hope the city can get behind this ambitious new destination in the most amazing location.” The Campfield market halls have been markets, exhibition spaces, a library, a barrage balloon factory , and a museum during the course of their long and storied history. Earlier this year, they entered a new chapter in their nearly 150-year-long history as they reopened as a contemporary cafe-bar and creative offices - and the home of Blue Peter. Rebranded - Lower Campfield Market is now just ‘Campfield’ and Upper is ‘Campfield Studios’ - and the multi-million-pound refurbishment is part of the wider St John’s project , which developers hope will have a similar effect on Manchester as opening the Guggenheim gallery had on Bilbao in the late 90s. To mark the relaunch this summer, a free series of festivals blending its past as a market space with its future as a creative and technology campus were announced with Street food event organisers GRUB relaunching 'The Weekender', a 'one-of-a-kind artisanal festival'. Now confirmed as a weekly event and expanded, visitors can enter the Campfield building, beneath Campfield's iconic glass roof, and find a collective of up to 50 hand-selected artisans will showcase a selection of art, collectibles, and artisan produce. Meanwhile, in Campfield Studios they'll find Manchester’s first ‘Euro-style’ food hall experience, featuring family-owned Spanish brewery Estrella Galicia, a European wine bar, and 12 stalls serving European produce such as charcuterie, oysters, sourdough, sushi, cheese, pickles and tapas. Visitors can create their own sharing platters and enjoy them in a new 120-capacity European food hall experience at the heart of the market. Finally, Castlefield House will serve as the social hub of the market, offering an array of street food favourites and farmers’ market classics - think dumplings, paella, pizza, bratwurst, smokehouse dishes, poke bowls and artisan coffee. Outside in the courtyard, a local produce market brings a greengrocer, butcher and fishmonger back to Castlefield, alongside fresh, organic and locally sourced produce. Jack Ingall, Allied London’s Commercial Creative Executive, added: “Re-activating Campfield Market is a major step in our long-term vision for St. John’s, creating a lively, connected neighbourhood where enterprise, culture, living and entertainment come together. "Partnering with GRUB has enabled Campfield to expand its commitment to the community and ensure a sense of culture and locality to this exciting campus.” Campfield Market launches Saturday 8 November 2025 and is open every Saturday, 10am until 4pm, Campfield, Liverpool Road, Manchester M3 4FP.
