Altrincham Market...

There's been a market in Altrincham since 1290 when Edward I gave it its charter. He must have had a day off from all that crusading, whopping the Welsh and hammering the Scots, so decided to give out a few charters. Altrincham, in spite of being in one of the most affluent parts of the city, has been struggling of late. The well heeled of Bowden and Hale have been by passing it in their expensive cars in favour of the Trafford Centre or jumping on the tram to sample the delights of city centre Manchester.

Altrincham, which used to be so smart, declined into being one of the most deserted high streets in the country. I'm pleased to see that it's fighting back now though. And no more so than in the old market. It had turned into the sort of place where you could buy all kinds of cheap geegaws and certainly wasn't the sort of place that the well to do of Cheshire would go.

But it's had something of a makeover. The building was cleaned up and artisan bakers, cheese makers, patisseries and the like have set up shop in the old market hall. Small breweries sell small batch beers and wines. The centre of the hall is lined with long wooden tables where you have to sit and meet strangers in a convivial, refectory atmosphere. You order from the concessions and the food is delivered to you. It's become THE place in Altrincham for casual dining. Think the food court in the Arndale Centre or the Trafford Centre but without McDs and the like. It was packed this afternoon. In the outside part there are all kinds of stalls selling all manner of delicious things to take home and not a plastic geegaw in sight.

It's had a positive effect on the surrounding streets as well where the run down buildings have been taken over by rather nice restaurants. It's good to see the area reviving. Jump on the tram and check it out