We head north for our latest Instagrammer’s guide to discover the most stylish spots to shop, eat and drink on the streets of Manchester and it’s surrounding neighbourhoods.
Leaf
Tea heaven is just off a busy thoroughfare in city centre Manchester. Leaf offers 50 different flavours of loose tea and a delicious menu across the course of a day. The space was previously an art gallery and it has been beautifully converted into a welcoming, warm space which is cleverly divided into different areas. With gorgeous wallpaper, eclectic furniture and the industrial heritage also on show, this place is a combined feast for the senses and a refuge from the busy street outside.
Beaumont Organic
Originally selling online and at trade shows Beaumont Organic opened an emerald green fronted shop in Manchester’s Northern Quarter in September 2017. Hannah is at the forefront of the ethical and sustainable clothing movement and the shop regularly holds events to support causes worldwide. The clothing comes with no icky feeling about where or who made it. It’s classic yet contemporary.
IG: @beaumontorganic
Form Lifestyle Store
Tucked away, deep in the Northern Quarter and housed in a blue plaque building dating back to 1787, Form is gorgeous example of how brilliant it is when old buildings are re-used. It has the most instagrammable spiral staircase in Manchester, perhaps even the North West. But aside from that it’s a haven for great, independent, small designers. (Find out more about Form is our August 18 e-zine)
The Winter Garden at Refuge
If you’ve ever wondered what a grown-up version of Narnia would be like, The Winter Garden at Refuge would be a good place to start. The real trees inside this beautiful atrium sparkle day and night. It is opulent and magical. You step inside and feel worlds away from life outside. From afternoon tea to cocktails and mocktails, this is the place to bring your Manchester visiting friends or anyone you’d quite like to impress.
IG: @therefugemcr
Moth
Sat on the leafy Burton Road in West Didsbury, Moth is a longstanding haven for stylists and homemakers with an eye for effortless style. It’s minimalist but with life and texture. From lampshades and rugs to handbags and jewellery. Buy something from Moth if you want chic but not showy. A neutral colour palette is easy on the eye and I’d be surprised if you are able to visit this gem without making a purchase.
IG: @mothstyle
Idaho
Riding on the crest of Altricham’s recent revival, Idaho is somewhere I go for the perfect gift. It stocks a great range of greetings cards, long live the cards I say, it can be a small designer’s bread and butter. I always find things in here that I’ve not seen elsewhere, except, yep, you guessed it, Instagram. From jewellery and posters to planners and beauty products and even chocolate. This is where to visit for the difficult to buy for, but uber stylish friend.
IG: @idahoaltrincham
Rose & Grey
Before Rose & Grey opened their showroom they were an online shop for many years. Now the thrill of seeing their products and furniture in real life is always exciting. The showroom is set up in such a way that makes you feel at home. It often makes me want to redecorate too! Its an inspiring place that entices you to be bold and individual with your home décor.
Rare Mags
Perched midway up the cobbled street of Hillgate in the Old Town part of Stockport sits Rare Mags. Proving the naysayers wrong, those people who believe print is dead; well, here it is alive and kicking. Rare Mags understand that people like to touch what they read. Our brains interact with information on paper in a vastly different way than they do with something on a screen. The magazines sold here are tomes of creativity, including 91 Magazine of course. (I highly recommend stopping for tea and vegan treats at Hillgate Cakery which is directly opposite)
IG: @rare_mags
Object Style
Husband and wife team Rachael and Alex have poured love and devotion into their cosy Chorlton shop, Object Style, and the personal service you get on a visit is so warm and authentic. Selling clothing, textiles, houseplants and vast range of handpicked home accessories, the shop and the stock is always beautifully merchandised, I defy you to come out empty-handed. (see more about Object in our Feb 18 e-zine.)
IG: @object_style
The Creameries
A bakery and kitchen that is aiming to be zero waste, caters brilliantly for kids, offers a seasonal menu and looks good? It’s all here at The Creameries and it has the original tiles from its previous guise which was a dairy in Edwardian times. What is it about tiles from that period? I love seeing the layers of history that places like this help keep alive. If freshly baked bread and authentic food from the heart is what you love, then be sure to pay this gem a visit.
IG: @hellocreameries
Head to Susan’s blog for more tips on Manchester as well as interiors and fashion inspiration. Follow her on Instagram too.
