Ashton Artisan Market
Located in Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester.
Make a day of it, indie style
Independent businesses near Ashton-under-Lyne worth knowing about before or after the market.
Photo: Lily MacKenzie
A tiny but beloved independent coffee bar tucked into Ashton's Market Street, offering over 30 single-origin beans and 20 loose-leaf teas. Described by locals as Ashton's best-kept secret — the owner is warmly praised for her hospitality and the coffee for being among the best in Greater Manchester. Open from 9am Monday to Saturday.
“Always a warm welcome and even the customers are friendly. The coffee is the best in Manchester. The homemade cakes are delicious but get there early as they can sell out especially if I’ve been in. Ashtons best kept secret.”
Photo: Lyndsey
A bright, beautifully decorated all-day bistro on Stamford Street Central, dog-friendly and consistently praised for its presentation and flavour. The Mediterranean eggs and cake selection are particular highlights, and the team are warmly described as attentive even under pressure. Open from 9am, weekends from 9am to 2:30pm.
“Food and Thorn Bistro, led by Nicky and her wonderful team, catered our end-of-year team lunch and delivered directly to our offices in Piccadilly, Manchester. From start to finish, the experience was outstanding. The quality of the food was fantastic, beautifully presented, incredibly flavourfu...”
Photo: Mozaic Cafe & Delicatessen
A much-loved Lebanese and Mediterranean café on Warrington Street, praised for fresh, flavourful food at exceptional value. The mezze, spiced potatoes and grilled mains all draw consistent praise, and the owner's warmth is mentioned again and again. Open from 11am, Thursday and Friday until 10pm.
“Lovely food. Friendly staff. Enjoyed it.”
Photo: Infinity Coffee Grill LTD
A genuinely outstanding family-run café on Atlas Street earning a near-perfect rating for its full English breakfasts, homemade spinach cake and warm, welcoming owners. Visitors consistently describe it as a hidden gem worth seeking out — spotless, generous and reasonably priced. Open from 9am Monday to Saturday.
“This was our first visit to this cafe which had been recommended. The welcome from the owner when entering was very warm and welcoming. Interior of the cafe was decorated lovely. I had a cheese and mushroom omelette for lunch which was delicious. The cake cabinet has a good choice of desserts (a...”
About this area
Places to go, see and play
Photo: Carl Atkins
A free museum on the canal basin in Ashton-under-Lyne, telling the story of the town's industrial past through a recreated 1920s street, shops and housing. Highlights include a Victorian schoolroom experience, canal-side café and occasional boat trips along the Peak Forest Canal. Free parking on site. Open Tuesday to Sunday.
“Good museum, great for children and families. The lady who does the victorian time travelling teacher is absolutely brilliant. Give her a raise, came with my 6yo daughter for a school trip, was not disappointed.”
Photo: Abdalla Mudathir
A major free museum on Oxford Road housing outstanding collections of natural history, Egyptology, archaeology and science. The Egyptian mummies, Triceratops skull and the South Asia gallery are consistent highlights — and the museum opens at 8am on Saturdays making it a perfect pre-market visit. Free entry, open Tuesday to Sunday. Run by the University of Manchester.
“Had a great time visiting here today. Was free but booked the triceratops exhibition in advance. I recommended leaving a donation if you can afford it though. Egyptian room was excellent, lots of dinosaurs as well. Lot of exhibits on multiple topics. The South Asia gallery was interesting and tho...”
Photo: Gallery Oldham
A free art gallery and museum in the heart of Oldham, around fifteen minutes from Ashton. The collection spans fine art, local history and community exhibitions celebrating Oldham's industrial heritage and global connections, set within a striking modern building that also houses the central library. Open Tuesday to Saturday.
“Gallery Oldham is a real cultural gem in the heart of the town. The building itself is modern and welcoming, and entry is free, which makes it accessible to everyone. Inside, there’s a wonderful mix of art, history, and community exhibitions. I especially enjoyed the themed displays that highli...”
Places to Stay near Ashton-under-Lyne
Make a weekend of it — find hotels, B&Bs and guest houses close to this market.
