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: 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: 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: 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: Korean Kitchen
Southport's acclaimed Korean restaurant on Lord Street, owner-run by Taeyeop Kim who built a devoted following at the original Hillside location before opening this flagship four-storey restaurant. The menu spans Korean fried chicken, home alone bowls, dumplings and kimchi dishes alongside soju and Asahi. Authentic, flavour-packed and consistently praised. Open seven days from noon. The team also trade inside Southport Market as Little Korean Kitchen.
“The smell as you walk in, is promising of a delicious meal. Dumplings to start where great, also the starter platter was enough for all 3 of us. Recommended the Winter Bowl before it disappears off the specials menu. Any of the Kirean Fried Chicken will delight. The Garlic was my favourite. A...”
Photo: Shaun McCann
A craft beer bottle shop and bar in Birkdale Village with an enormous selection of bottled and canned beers — Belgian specialities, IPAs, stouts and rarities — alongside a small number of taps. Knowledgeable staff and a welcoming atmosphere make it a destination for serious beer lovers. Open seven days from 7am.
“Visited here a few times, always busy and can see why! Great selection of beers for everyone and staff are great too. Will continue to return when in the area 👍 (thank you to the fella who gave my daughter some marshmallows, she was made up )”
About this area
Places to go, see and play
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: 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: Craig Avramovic
A beautiful free park on the seafront surrounding the Marine Lake, just a short walk from the market quarter. Dog-friendly throughout, with bowling greens, picnic areas and sheltered benches. The lakeside walks and views make it an ideal post-market afternoon stroll. Open year-round and always accessible.
“Beautiful park around Marine Lake, a mere stone's throw from the centre of town. Dog-friendly throughout (with a bit of common sense; obviously not on the bowling green). Plenty of picnicy places and lots of sheltered benches because English weather will weather. I've only had to dock it a single...”
Places to eat, drink and party
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: Little Gourmet
A family-run bistro on Lord Street open most days, serving freshly cooked breakfasts, jacket potatoes, lasagne and a regularly changing specials board. Warm, welcoming and consistently praised for quality ingredients and excellent value.
“Visited Southport and came across Little Gourmet. I had an amazing carrot cake and a hot apple pie both were 10 10. Then I had a hotchocolate which was so good. I would fully recommend visiting here. The service was 5 star would definitely visit again”
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 ...”
Places to Stay near Southport
Make a weekend of it — find hotels, B&Bs and guest houses close to this market.
