Southport Artisan Market
Presented by Independent Street at Southport Artisan Market, Southport, Merseyside.
Make a day of it, indie style
Independent businesses near Southport worth knowing about before or after the event.
Featured
Photo: Glenn Miller
The vibrant food and drink hall at the heart of Southport's Market Quarter, housed in a beautifully restored building themed around the town's fairground and seaside heritage. Eight independent food vendors offer everything from American brunch bagels to Korean street food, alongside a central bar, live entertainment and a games room. Dog-friendly and open Wednesday to Sunday — worth exploring before or after the artisan market outside.
“First time visit to Southport Market, and we weren't disappointed. We went to Brunch n' Bagel, American style grub made to order. I had The Buffalo One bagel and a side of Tater Tots, my Mum had The American style pancakes (Which she couldn't finish!). At £22.50 between two, it was pretty good v...”
Photo: Quicksilver Music
An outstanding independent record shop on King Street — right at the market entrance — stocking an extensive range of new and used vinyl with a focus on classic rock. Owner Dave is knowledgeable and passionate, with stock constantly updated and records always clean and fairly priced. Open Thursday to Saturday.
“Great shop with the perfect selection of stock all laid out very professionally, the finest record shop I’ve ever visited”
Photo: Display
A small, independently run bar on Lord Street open all day from 9am. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, complimentary snacks with drinks, and comfortable outdoor seating. A great spot for a gin and tonic on a sunny afternoon — welcoming, unhurried and genuinely good value.
“What a great little place this is! We’ve been a few times now and each visit is as good as the last. Great atmosphere, super service, and good quality drinks (btw I gave a 5/5 for food because you get complimentary snacks with your drinks!). Open all day with coffee and cake available at reason...”
Photo: Dee Jay
Southport's first Vietnamese restaurant on Manchester Road, with an eclectic interior and a genuinely authentic menu. The chicken pho, spring rolls, Vietnamese curry and summer rolls are all praised for freshness and flavour. Friendly staff, vegetarian-friendly and a great option for an evening after the market. Open from 5pm.
“From the outside it does not look very inviting but, never judge a book by its cover. Inside has an eclectic decor from different parts of the globe. If unsure about the menu, instead of stiff upper lip, ask the staff for explanation, they don't bite. Very friendly and efficient service, great...”
Photo: Jomo
A proper butcher's kitchen in Birkdale Village run by an actual butching family, which shows in every dish. The brisket loaded fries, salt and pepper chicken wrap and full breakfast wrap are standouts — plus there's an infinity burger challenge for the brave. Open daily from 8am, with an evening menu on Fridays.
“The Butcher’s Kitchen in Birkdale Village is a proper gem. The bacon barms are spot on – thick, crispy bacon and soft fresh rolls, just how they should be. There’s a great range of breakfast and lunch options too, all cooked fresh and reasonably priced. Friendly staff, quick service, and a ...”
Photo: Dennis Waites
One of the most generously stocked record shops in the North West, Legacy Records on Tulketh Street holds nearly 250,000 records — with only a third of the collection on the shop floor at any one time. Owner Alex is knowledgeable, enthusiastic and will source specific titles on request. Open Monday to Saturday.
“Absolutely loved it! Popped in to buy a vinyl for a present, ended up with 5! Lovely guy, sad i didnt get his name, talked me through different albums and he s got so much knowledge and passion. Definitely coming back :)”
About this area
Places to go, see and play
Photo: Gary Heap
A well-loved community theatre on Hoghton Street with a busy year-round programme of plays, musicals and pantomimes. Highly praised for the quality and ambition of productions, the welcoming atmosphere and the remarkably affordable ticket prices. A genuine local cultural institution that has been staging shows in Southport for generations.
“Lovely small theatre with amateur dramatic shows. We went to the panto which was really well done. The show was brilliant and the actors did so well. The drinks were bought were extremely cheap, £3.50 for 2 bottles of water and a coffee. We have been looking at what other shows are coming up and...”
Photo: Southport Contemporary Arts
A small independent gallery on Eastbank Street showing regularly changing exhibitions of original artwork by local and regional artists. Most pieces are affordably priced and the gallery is worth a visit whenever a new show is on. Open Tuesday to Friday and Saturday — a short walk from the market.
“Great art, exhibitions are changed regularly. Most pieces are very affordable for the quality or works shown. Always call in when they have a new exhibition and often buy something, but I am rapidly running out of wall space.”
Photo: Zaw Naing
Southport's leading arts venue, housed in a magnificent Grade II listed building on Lord Street right beside the market quarter. The Atkinson brings together a free art gallery, local history museum, theatre, library and café under one roof — making it one of the most complete cultural destinations in the North West. The Between Land & Sea exhibition covers the Sefton coast's history and biodiversity with interactive displays. Open Monday to Saturday, free entry to exhibitions.
Places to eat, drink and party
Photo: The Grand, Southport
A striking independent venue on Lord Street operated by Mikhail Hotel & Leisure, offering afternoon tea, a full restaurant menu, cocktail bar and regular live music. A proper Southport institution — the rooftop sky bar and terrace are a newer addition, making it one of the most complete evening destinations on Lord Street. Open Thursday to Sunday.
“Booked as a surprise for my wife's 50th. First time here & very impressed by the ambience. A very classy environment, sadly not reflected by other scruffy customers that visited, but this appears to be the norm of the day! People dressed up to come to Southport, not any more! Anyway, the service ...”
Photo: David Simkins
A well-regarded French restaurant on Lord Street serving classic dishes — moules frites, prawn cocktail, pan-fried salmon and grilled lamb — in a relaxed, unhurried setting. Private dining available in the back room. Excellent value for the quality. Open Tuesday to Sunday.
“Visited on a Saturday night and the place was nice and busy. Service was maybe a teeny bit slow, but each course arrived fairly quickly. Starters of french onion soup and cheesy mushrooms were very nice. We both had moulles et frites, which was a huge portion of mussels. A bit of grit in the mus...”
Photo: Gemini Lounge Restaurant
Southport's highest-rated restaurant on Lord Street — a chef-led fine dining destination earning a rare perfect score for its steaks, king prawns and cocktails. Intimate booth seating, creative seasonal menu and exceptional service make it the standout evening dining choice in the town. Open Wednesday to Sunday.
“So so nice to see Nick again from his Tibu days in formby . Absolutely fantastic chef ! Didn’t think he could get any better but his food is even better ! The staff was so good very attentive and just a lovely service . Cocktails was unreal to ! 100000% be back to try the rest of the menu . Ste...”
Places to Stay near Southport
Make a weekend of it — find hotels, B&Bs and guest houses close to this market.
