Southport Artisan Market
Located in Southport, Merseyside.
Make a day of it, indie style
Independent businesses near Southport worth knowing about before or after the market.
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: Season Coffee, Bar & Kitchen
A beautifully run café, bar and kitchen on King Street, right in the heart of the market quarter. Season serves exceptional breakfasts and brunches — from the signature season stack to avocado sourdough — alongside specialty coffee and a relaxed all-day atmosphere. Dog-friendly, family-welcoming and already one of the most talked-about spots in Southport. Open Thursday to Sunday.
“Great place for a peaceful meal – the calm atmosphere is perfect for conversation and relaxation. The food is delicious, fresh and beautifully presented, and every dish is prepared with great attention to detail. The staff are polite and helpful, the place is very pet‑friendly, and they serve...”
Photo: Ol' Frog Face
A friendly, independent bar and grill on Lord Street with a loyal following for its food, affordable drinks and genuine community atmosphere. The kind of welcoming local that Southport's high street does well — good breakfasts, solid pub quiz and honest hospitality throughout the week.
“Absolutely brilliant afternoon. Owners are welcoming, professional & attentive. The drinks & food were great & not expensive. The kind of old school local atmosphere missing from do many places. Recommended. Definitely my new favourite place to go ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐”
Photo: Vinylfinders
A gem of a record shop on Wesley Street specialising in 70s rock, with a strong singles section and CD wall alongside the main album stock. Owner Paul is a genuine music enthusiast who offers freshly ground coffee to browsers and regularly knocks something off the basket total. A proper independent record shop experience. Open Wednesday to Saturday.
“Only just discovered this hidden gem. What a fabulous selection to choose from. Being an old geezer I'm always looking for a bargain and the £2 bins are great fun to rummage through. Plenty for the serious collectors too. Can't wait for my next visit! 10/10”
Photo: Dil Daly
A much-loved craft beer bar tucked into Cambridge Walks, right in the market quarter. Tap & Bottles stocks an excellent rotating selection of cask ales, keg beers and canned craft across a cosy, front-room atmosphere that keeps locals and visitors coming back. One of Southport's best spots for a proper beer. Open seven days from noon.
“Small, often busy, and with an excellent selection of real ales. Absolutely nothing to find fault with here.”
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 Model Railway Village
A wonderfully detailed model village on the Promenade, open on Saturdays and Sundays — making it a natural companion to a market visit. Visitors are handed a paper quiz trail on arrival to spot hidden details throughout the miniature landscape. There is a small café on site and plenty of benches for picnics. A genuinely charming and unhurried day out for all ages.
“We'd never visited before, so on a sunny Sunday, we decided to pop along and see what was what. We took a picnic along (as suggested on the website) and paid our entrance free. We were handed a paper quiz and pencil, which we thoroughly enjoyed completing as we walked around the attraction. The e...”
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.”
Places to eat, drink and party
Photo: Jomo
One of Southport's most distinctive venues — an immersive floral bar on Lord Street with a DJ booth, disco ball and neon signage throughout. Known for exceptional bottomless brunch, flowing cocktails and a lively weekend atmosphere. Dog-friendly and very Instagrammable. Opens Thursday to Sunday from noon.
“I recently went to the House of Ivy for a bottomless brunch . What can i say..........OUTSTANDING! The food was delicious and plentiful ! The drinks where constantly flowing and an amazing variety ! The service was quick. friendly and attentive The atmosphere was lively and had a lovely vibe ! I...”
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: 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.
