Liverpool's markets split into two kinds. On one hand, the traditional municipal markets that have served working-class communities for generations with cheap produce and household goods. On the other, a newer street food culture that has turned former Victorian industrial sites into busy weekend social spaces.
To understand the city, you need to experience both. Here is the local breakdown of Liverpool’s best markets, street food halls, and weekend craft events.
Baltic Market and the Cains Brewery Site: The Modern Hub
Housed in the old canning hall of the red-brick Cains Brewery on Stanhope Street, the Baltic Market (Cains Brewery Village, Stanhope St, L8 5XJ) is Liverpool's first dedicated street food hall. Established in 2017, it has become the anchor of the Baltic Triangle’s weekend economy.
The format features a rotating lineup of around ten independent food traders sharing a large, communal seating space. Standard traders to look out for include:
- Hafla Hafla: Specializes in Middle Eastern street food. You must try their signature Halloumi Fries (topped with tahini, pomegranate molasses, fresh mint, and red chillies) for £7.50.
- Polpetta: A local favourite serving massive Italian-American sub sandwiches and loaded pasta bowls (subs around £9.50).
- Midnight Delivery: The go-to for decadent desserts, serving fresh waffle boxes, brownies, and milkshakes.
The wider Cains Brewery site (founded in 1858 by Robert Cain) is a Grade II listed red-brick landmark. It is also home to:
- Red Brick Market (Stanhope St, L8 5RE): An indoor warehouse market featuring 100+ independent traders selling vintage clothes, custom vinyl, and local art.
- Punch Tarmey's (31 Grafton St, L8 5SD): One of the largest Irish bars in the UK, featuring live music, massive screens for sports, and pints of Guinness for £5.50.
- Arcains (31 Grafton St, L8 5SD): A huge three-floor video game arcade where a flat entry fee (£18.00–£22.00) gives you unlimited gaming on vintage cabinet machines, pinball, and modern consoles.
- Pro tip: The Baltic Market is only open Thursday through Sunday. Friday night is loud and busy; if you want a calmer lunch where you can actually find a table, aim for Thursday afternoon or Sunday before 1:00 PM.
- Local Info: The Baltic Triangle is a 15-minute walk from Liverpool ONE. You can take the 82 bus from Liverpool ONE Bus Station and get off at Parliament Street/Stanhope Street.
- Related Guide: For a deep dive into the local food scene, read our Baltic Triangle Food and Drink Guide.
Local Weekend Craft Markets: The Makers Market
If you are looking for independent art, handmade jewelry, local cheeses, and craft goods, you want to track down the Makers Market. This touring market sets up at different historic locations in Liverpool on a monthly rotation.
One of their most popular locations is inside the courtyard of St Luke’s Bombed Out Church (Leece St, L1 2TR) at the top of Bold Street, which provides a dramatic open-air backdrop. You will also find them hosting markets along the Georgian Quarter’s Hope Street. It is the best place to buy art prints from local illustrators and bakers selling fresh sourdough and pastries.
Over in South Liverpool, the Lark Lane Farmers Market (Lark Lane, L17 8UP) runs on the fourth Saturday of every month. It’s a smaller, food-focused market featuring local farmers, organic butchers, and honey producers.
- Pro tip: Check the Makers Market official website or social media beforehand, as their dates shift depending on the weekend rotation.
- Local Info: The Lark Lane market runs from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Take the 82 bus from Liverpool ONE Stand 1 to the bottom of the lane, or take the Merseyrail Northern Line to St Michaels station (a 10-minute walk).
- Related Guide: Combine your Lark Lane market visit with a walk in Sefton Park using our Lark Lane and Aigburth Local Guide.
Traditional Markets: St John's and Greatie
For a complete contrast to the Baltic street food scene, visit the city's traditional markets.
St John's Market (St John's Shopping Precinct, Elliot St, L1 1LR) is a covered market that has operated in various formats since 1822. Located in the heart of the city centre, it features butchers, fishmongers, fabric stalls, and cheap cafes serving hot English fry-ups and traditional roast dinners (£6.00 to £8.00).
In North Liverpool, Great Homer Street Market (Great Homer St, L5 3LQ)—known locally as "Greatie"—is a true Liverpool institution. Running every Saturday morning, it is a large market where you can find everything from clothing and bedding to fresh vegetables and hardware. It has been a key part of the local working-class economy since the nineteenth century.
- Pro tip: Go to Greatie if you want to experience the authentic, fast-talking street trading culture of Liverpool. Stop by the hot bacon bap wagon for a huge breakfast roll for £3.00.
- Local Info: St John’s Market is open Monday to Saturday, closing around 5:00 PM. Greatie Market runs on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Catch the 19 bus from Queen Square Bus Station (Stand 10) directly to Great Homer Street.
- Related Guide: If you are looking for more dining options across the city, check out our Where to Eat in Liverpool by Area Guide.
