Wigan Artisan Market at The Cotton Works
Presented by Independent Street at Wigan Artisan Market at The Cotton Works, Wigan, Greater Manchester.
Make a day of it, indie style
Independent businesses near Wigan worth knowing about before or after the event.
Photo: Harry Fenton
A small independent craft beer and real ale bar tucked into Jaxons Court in the town centre. Three rotating cask ales plus a good selection of craft cans in a welcoming, unpretentious setting. Reasonably priced, dog-friendly and always a reliable pint — a firm favourite with Wigan's beer community.
“Absolutely brilliant staff. Came in on my own after recently moving to wigan and they couldn't have made me feel more welcome. Sound set of locals and sound set of beers on the line. Decent prices, decent venue, can't complain.”
Photo: The Brewery Project Wigan
A craft brewery bar and kitchen in the Queen Street railway arches next door to the Cotton Works, run by State of Kind Brew Co with MELD street food on site. Exceptional burgers — the blue cheese and honey chilli are standouts — alongside a tight range of well-crafted beers. A brilliant combination of quality brewing and serious food in an atmospheric industrial setting.
“Fantastic food! Had the steak 😋 and tried the burgers; really enjoyed them. Top class! Good selection of wines and craft beers 🍻 oh and the staff are great 😘”
Photo: Māris Ļaudaks
An independent retro gaming and collectibles shop in the Grand Arcade, open Sundays 11am to 4pm. Stocked with retro consoles and games, vinyl records, DVDs, VHS, comics, statues and collectibles at fair prices. Run by a knowledgeable and passionate owner with 15 years in the business — a proper independent worth supporting.
“Very nice shop. Great variety of items and a cheap price! Friendly staff, stock well presented and great music to listen to while you shop. Would recommend you visit”
Photo: Māris Ļaudaks
A much-loved independent coffee and wine bar on Wallgate, directly opposite Wigan Wallgate station and a short walk from the Cotton Works. Serves excellent coffee, pastries and light bites from 8am, transitioning into wine, craft beer and spirits through the evening. Dog-friendly, free WiFi and a relaxed back room — a natural pit stop before or after the market.
“Nipped in (1st time) for a coffee, after dropping my van off, as its a 3 mile walk home. Was very quiet, as it had just opened, but 2 guys at the counter, being served by a lovely friendly young lady. I sat close tp the counter and had a play with the lovely little dog, till I was asked what id l...”
Photo: Carl Pemberton
An Italian-inspired wine bar and restaurant on Wallgate with a striking painted ceiling and a buzzy atmosphere. Open Sundays from noon. Known for generous pasta portions, a solid wine list and a reliable cocktail menu — a good choice for a relaxed sit-down meal after the market.
“Place overall it is ok. I had chicken pesto pasta. It tasted good and good portion. My company had bowl of soup (tomato soup) , which was more like cream ,with two rolls and butter and tasted good. We had coffe and cold drink as well. Unfortunately, first table we choose was "loose" and top almos...”
Photo: Harry Fenton
A hidden gem of a brewery taproom tucked down a ginnel off Wallgate in the Old Brewery Yard. Exceptional locally brewed ales served direct from the source in a wonderfully quirky old building — up some wooden steps and into one of Wigan's most characterful drinking spots. Open Sundays 1–7pm. Well worth seeking out before or after the market.
“What a little cracker of a tap room tucked away down a ginnel off Wallgate. Great beer at a super price, good friendly service and its such a quirky old building.”
About this area
Places to go, see and play
Photo: Peter Skellern
The famous Wigan Pier sits on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal directly beside the Cotton Works — a short stroll along the towpath from the market entrance. A replica of the original coal tipper, it marks the historic heart of Wigan's industrial waterfront, with information boards explaining the canal's role in the town's past. Free to visit at any time.
“Well presented wharf, some original and some reconstructed. Plenty of interpretation signs to understand the whole Pier Head area”
Photo: Māris Ļaudaks
A charming free museum in a beautiful building on Library Street, covering Wigan's history from Roman times through the Industrial Revolution to the 20th century. Includes a fascinating section on George Orwell's time in the town. Note: closed Sundays — worth planning a separate visit on a weekday or Saturday.
“A charming little museum about the history of the city. The section about George Orwell's time in the city is particularly interesting. Admission is free.”
Photo: D I
The Leeds and Liverpool Canal runs directly past the Cotton Works, with well-surfaced towpaths stretching in both directions. Walk or cycle toward Wigan Pier and the historic canal basin to the west, or head east toward the Wigan Flashes nature reserve. One of the longest canals in Britain — and one of the most accessible stretches begins right on the market doorstep.
“I live in Wigan, so the canal is very close. I spend a lot of time cycling on the canals. These living museums need preserving. The government should fund it.”
Places to eat, drink and party
Photo: Laura Hardman
A small local steak and burger restaurant on Miry Lane, a short walk from the Cotton Works along the canal. Open Sundays from 5pm. Known for perfectly cooked steaks and what regulars claim are the best burgers in Wigan — the Cali burger and loaded fries are standouts. Intimate, friendly and very well priced.
“Heaven by name, heaven by nature!! We’re from out of town, came to collect someone, and wanted something to eat. This place came up and it was definitely a great choice. Steak is cooked to perfection, and the combination of flavours on the Cali was divine. We enjoyed it so much, we’d come bac...”
Photo: Gatis Reinfelds
A long-established British restaurant on The Wiend, open Sundays from 11:30am. Straightforward pub-style dining — steaks, pies and Sunday roasts at reasonable prices in a comfortable, unfussy setting. A reliable option for a sit-down lunch in the town centre.
“My wife and I went Friday 30th Jan about 4pm. We were greeted by a friendly server who showed us to a table. Looking at the evening menu there was a good choice of meals. My wife selected chicken,bacon with mushrooms and I ordered chicken with black pudding and mash. When meals came they looked v...”
Photo: Feast At The Mills
An on-site street food hall and bar at the Cotton Works itself, bringing together multiple independent food vendors, a fully stocked bar and a stage for live music. Open at weekends — and on market Sundays the two events complement each other perfectly, with the street food arena extending the day well beyond the market closing time.
“Great venue, can't wait to visit in the warmer weather (ha!). Plenty of seating inside, both exposed and undercover - with blankets and heaters for the colder weather. Bar on site and several places to order food from. Food was great, and reasonably priced. Live music too. Kids and dogs welcome, ...”
Places to Stay near Wigan
Make a weekend of it — find hotels, B&Bs and guest houses close to this market.
