We try out the new Ormskirk Food and Drink Market

Ormskirk Food and Drink Market is now open in Moorgate with six food vendors serving up a host of grub to suit everybody’s taste.

Food markets are popping up all over the region and are as popular as ever.

With the variety of eating options they offer, the markets are great for group gatherings particularly with Christmas nights out just around the corner.

We took the short trip to West Lancashire to try out the newly opened Ormskirk Food and Drink Market to see if it lives up to its neighbouring big city equivalents.

Housed in the busy town’s old indoor market in Moorgate, the new social space is a world away from its former life.

After standing empty for more than three years, the building that was once home to classic market stalls has been reborn as a classy hang out. There are exposed brick walls, rows of shared eating tables, high stools, a large bar and six independent eateries.

You can enjoy everything from pizza to steak, burgers, tacos, Greek and Chinese street food.

We called in early on Sunday afternoon and the place was packed.

The market had only been open two days, but word clearly spreads fast in Ormskirk and there was a buzzing atmosphere.

It’s family and dog friendly and there were lots of pooches chilling out while their owners enjoyed the food and drinks on offer, and plenty of room for push chairs in the airy bar space.

Purely Pizza already has a popular outlet in nearby Burscough, and their stone baked slices are bringing a highly anticipated taste of Naples to Ormskirk.

Salmo specialise in streak and seafood, while beef and vegan burgers are available at Meatello.

Backyard are serving nachos, tacos and fried chicken, while Gyrosophy is providing a taste of the Mediterranean with their Greek street food.

And who can’t be excited by the arrival in Ormskirk of Mei Shi, a Chinese street food concept from the genius of chef Dave Chritchley’s Liverpool based Luban.

Like most food markets you can’t book a table and we were lucky to grab a high table in the bar which gave us a great view of the impressive space. We could also see most of the meals being taken to tables from the various outlets and we had a really hard time trying to decide.

We’re happy to report the Margherita pizza, priced £6.50, tasted just as good as it looked and chicken burger, at £7.95, did not disappoint.

Like most food markets, you order from your seat via a QR code. It was quick and easy.

At the bar there’s a good selection of beers and wines, and we were assured coffees will be available very soon.

Staff were plentiful and friendly, and we loved the people – and dog – watching.

We will definitely be back.

Ormskirk Food and Drink Market, open Thursday to Sunday, from 12 noon-late.

See the website for more details, menus and opening times.