The closure of the "original" Northern Quarter restaurant marked the "end of an era" in Manchester city centre.
We all have that one restaurant that we remember being one of our favourite places to dine out. And for many, that restaurant called Manchester's Northern Quarter home for over three decades.
Opening on High Street before the area gained its "trendy" status, The Market Restaurant prided itself on fresh ingredients and was a favourite amongst couples, families and more. In the years to follow, it became known as the Northern Quarter's longest-established restaurant.
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One of the city's most popular restaurants during its 34-year reign, The Market not only impressed with its food, but the fact that it did so well at a time before more venues popped up in the area.
Inside, customers would be greeted to a traditional bistro-style interior. But many will remember The Market for its wealth of eclectic memorabilia, a nod to the days of Smithfield Market, which was dotted all around the walls. Images rediscovered from our archives offer a glimpse into what the restaurant looked like inside, back in the early 2000s.
The building the business occupied was late Georgian brick delight. And walking towards the restaurant, you would instantly spot its dark green signage outside.
Do these awaken any memories for you? Let us know in the comments section below.
Back in 2007, the MEN visited The Market Restaurant to review the popular venue. At the time, the MEN reported how the City Life Manchester Food and Drink Festival Restaurant of the Year 2005 provided "one of the most enjoyable dining experiences in the city."
It reads: "To make things happen, you have to work at them, and after 25 years the Market still provides a template of how an independent, proprietor-driven business should operate. It has also been a torchbearer for the Northern Quarter.
"When this place opened, the potential of the area had been recognised but few had dared to commit cash. The Market led the way and now sits proudly on the most interesting food and drink street in North West England."
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Service was led by Peter and Ann O’Grady and the food from Paul Mertz and Mary-Rose Edgecombe was "consistently interesting and could touch on perfection." At the time, Pork Terrine with French bread and gherkins cost £5.95, Fillet of salmon with herb crust on braised aubergine and red pepper sauce was £14.95 and Lemon curd jelly with almond shortbread served with a jug of cream cost £4.95.
The MEN reported: "The lunch menu is very competitive and again provides top-quality food. The Market uses local produce where possible and guarantees that everything from the biscuits to the ice cream is freshly made. There is a good wine list, an exceptional selection of continental beers and even a martini list."
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But after 34 years, the Northern Quarter restaurant announced it was closing its doors on April 10, 2015. At the time, a statement on their website said: "The Market Restaurant is now closed.
"THANKS TO THOSE CUSTOMERS AND SUPPLIERS WHO HAVE SUPPORTED US OVER THE LAST 34 YEARS. This restaurant was one of the oldest and most well known independent restaurants in Manchester.
"Set in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, it was the original and we believe the finest eating experience in the area."
The sudden closure came around a week after the business released a new menu.
An online statement said: "Some guests got it immediately, others unfortunately didn’t. Our reward was in those guests who recognised the results of our efforts and returned again and again."
At the time, MEN reader Fiona Yip said: "This is a shame, I ate there once and I enjoyed it." And Liz English commented: "End of an era, every time I ate here it was delicious!"
Since The Market closed its doors, the area around High Street and Edge Street has exploded with independent bars and restaurants. And the Market site has also gone on to become another acclaimed restaurant, the Parisian style 63 Degrees.
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