French Market, Manchester, England United Kingdom

A new addition to the Manchester Christmas Markets in 2010, was the French Market on King Street
Open 17th November - 21st December 2011 10.00 - 19.30 (20.00 in December)
MAP & DIRECTIONS
As it was bitterly cold, the food stalls in the French Market were a welcome sight (and smell) One time that I didn't mind queueing, as it was quite warm standing near the pans of food!

Unsurprisingly, the French Market had some quite chic stalls, including a bar with chandeliers! Foods and gifts from the various regions of the country, such as lavender products, provencale herbs, brightly coloured table linen etc.

King Street has some quite attractive buildings of architectural interest - Once an important Banking and Finance street, it is now home to some of the most upmarket shops in Manchester - (Along with its neighbour Bank Street) Designer shops such as Vivienne Westwood and Armani attract the 'Rich and Famous' of Manchester. Liam Gallagher of Oasis fame opened a boutique (Pretty Green) here last December, which was one of many shops looted and vandalised during the mindless riots of August 2011.

Money from the cotton industry led to the Building of The Bank of England in 1826 at 82 King Street - a memorial to the prosperity of the time. It was designed by Christopher Cockerell, who was recognised as the leading architect of the time. It is a Grade 1 listed building. Along King Street are many of the buildings are Grade 2 listed.
Old banks include Lloyds TSB (53) Northern Rock Building Society (74) Prudential Assurance (76-80) Manchester and Salford Savings Bank (84-86) Midland Bank (100)