From mid-November, Manchester city centre fills up. The Christmas markets arrive, the Arndale gets busier every weekend, and lunch turns into a queue. This is our first Christmas in the Arndale food court, and these are the tips we give anyone planning a full day of shopping.
Eat before you’re starving
The biggest mistake is waiting until 1pm, when everyone else is hungry too. Lunch from 12pm to 2pm is the busiest time in the food court all year, and in December it gets busier still. Eat at 11:30am or after 2pm and you’ll find a seat and spend less time queuing.
Weekdays are your friend
Saturdays are the busiest days in the centre. If you can shop on a weekday, especially Monday to Wednesday, everything is calmer. At Lucky Gyros, Club members also earn double Chips on those days.
Pick food you can eat on the move
If the market stalls are calling, take your lunch with you. A gyros wrap is made for walking: everything is in the pitta, fries included. Order at our counter, ask for it to take away, and you’re back out in a few minutes.
Share a platter if you’re in a group
Shopping with family or friends? Sharing one big order saves everyone from queuing at a different counter. Our Feaster Platter is built for it, with a few sides like Greek Fries and hummus with pitta.
If it’s all too much, stay in
Some days the city is just too busy. You can order Lucky Gyros on Deliveroo across Manchester city centre.
Christmas opening hours
Shopping centre hours often change in December, and ours may too. We’ll post any Christmas hours on our homepage and Instagram, so check before you travel.
Find us
Lucky Gyros is at Kiosk 11 to 12 in the Manchester Arndale food court. Take the big escalator up from Market Street. Join The Club when you order and your next fries and dip are on us.
Michael Jebelli is the founder of Lucky Gyros, an independent Manchester street food brand that has traded at Parklife and Sounds of the City and now runs a permanent kitchen in the Manchester Arndale food court.