Supporting small businesses has always been a good thing to do. But this Christmas, it’s more important than ever.
Across Greater Manchester, retailers and restaurants, coffee shops and craftspeople have worked their guts off to stay afloat through restriction after restriction. And we think they deserve celebrating.
That’s why in the run up to Christmas, we’ll be sharing one of our favourite small businesses and why we love it, every day.
To help you #ShopLocal this festive season. And to offer just a bit of support – one small business to another.
Keep an eye on this list for new additions all the way up to Christmas. Or follow us on Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn for the latest ideas. Merry Christmas!
Piccadilly Records
“I’m a vinyl geek. And you can never ever ever have enough music in your life.”
Leigh, Executive Creative Director
Piccadilly Records opened in 1978 and prospered in the post-punk 80s, selling a mixture of rock, pop, indie and alternative music. In 1990 the current management took over Piccadilly Records and continued to build upon its reputation as one of the world’s best independent record shops. In 1997 the shop moved to its current location in the vibrant Northern Quarter area of Manchester.
In recent years they have been voted best Independent Record Store at the prestigious Music Week awards and also Best Record Store at Gilles Peterson’s Worldwide Awards. They have also featured in countless national newspapers; Observer’s World’s Best Shops, the Guardian’s Best Record Shops and at No1 in The Independent’s top 50 UK Independent Record Shops.
Find it here:
https://www.piccadillyrecords.com/counter/index.php
The Cheese Hamlet
“I can’t get enough of The Cheese Hamlet in Didsbury. The cheese is heavenly (obviously) and the owner, John, is so knowledgeable about all the cheeses and their makers!
They also stock all sorts of biscuits, sweet treats, pickles, jams, and gins. I love going there every Christmas to build a little foodie hamper for my Mum and Dad!
Oh, and they made our cheese wedding cake last year. I don’t have the words to express how glorious it was.”
Steph, Deputy Creative Director
The Cheese Hamlet is a family run independent business that started trading in Chorlton in 1960, evolving from bakery to cheese and fine foods in 1972 from their new premises in Didsbury.
They’re the big cheese of cheese, having won Speciality Cheese Retailer three years running as well as travelling the world to judge international cheese competitions. It’s safe to say they know there stuff!
Find it here:
https://thecheesehamlet.co.uk
The Station Hop
“An oasis of fantastic craft beers right on the A6 in Levenshulme. Amanda and Chris really know their stuff and it has a real community feel about it”
Stephen, Managing Director
The Station Hop is an independent Craft beer tap house & bottle shop, based in the heart Levenshulme, sure to always greet you with a friendly face and the best independent craft beers around.
Find it here:
https://www.instagram.com/stationhoplvm
Graystone Action Sports
“This skate, scooter, parkour and gymnastics venue is a place full of energy and endless possibilities if you are there to take part. For the spectators, it fun enough just to watch the brilliant entertainment and when we go into tier two, the food and drink is brilliant too.”
Sam, Strategy Director
Graystone is a world-class destination for athletes and beginners. They are dedicated to making action sports accessible to everyone; increasing participation, creating new passions and inspiring progression.
Activities include skateboarding, scooter, inline & quads, trampolining & gymnastics, parkour, BMX, and a whole host more.
Find it here:
https://graystoneactionsports.co.uk/
Nordic Muse
“They are next to Hatch on Oxford Road and sell lots of great jewellery, candles and homeware bits and bobs.”
Becky, Senior Account Manager
Nordic Muse brings Scandinavian simplicity to Manchester. With a focus on good craftsmanship and high-quality design, their homeware and jewellery ranges are ideal for your chicest friends.
Find it here:
https://nordicmuse.com
Betty & Dollys Sandwich Bar & Tea Room
“My favourite local business is a dog friendly cafe in Urmston called Betty & Dolly’s Sandwich Bar & Tea Room.
“Me and Albie go there for a quick catch up with Danielle and Pete who run the place, whilst were chatting away Albie will have his special Albie sausage and I’ll have breakfast. Lovely little cafe. The Cafe is named after their 2 dogs, sadly one of them passed away.”
Dave, Senior Designer
If you can’t imagine a Christmas treat without your four-legged friends by your side, Betty & Dolly’s Sandwich Bar & Tea Room’ll be high on your Christmas list!
Find it here:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Betty%20&%20Dollys%20Sandwich%20Bar%20&%20Tea%20Room/759504834100656/
The Dispensary
“I loooove this zero-waste store in Salford.
“It’s run by this one lady who operates the shop around her other job (I think!), and has all sorts of eco-friendly bits and bobs. You can take your own bottles to fill up on bath and cleaning products and just pay for what you use, and she’s also recently started doing refillable food products (snacks, herbs, spices etc).
“Plus, she’s really good at stocking other local businesses and sharing them on her insta, @thedispensarysalford – so that’s worth a follow! It’s in Walkden shopping centre in Salford 😊”
Emma, Copywriter
Find it here:
https://www.thedispensarysalford.com/about-us
20th Century Stores
“I couldn’t decide! Each of these features stalls from individual sellers, so you get a cross section of odd collectables, vintage clothes, records and furniture. I can lose hours in any of them!”
Alan, Developer
20th Century Stores is a speciality vintage store featuring homeware, furniture, vintage clothing and accessories and more from the 1920s to 1980s. A great spot for a unique find!
Find it here:
http://20thcenturystores.com/
The Vintage Emporium
“I couldn’t decide! Each of these features stalls from individual sellers, so you get a cross section of odd collectibles, vintage clothes, records and furniture. I can lose hours in any of them!”
Alan, Developer
The Vintage Emporium features over 50 independent traders with a wide range of furniture, homeware, lighting, collectables, and fashion. Based in the old Pear Mill, the eclectic offering makes it ideal for finding a present for the person who leaves you lost for ideas each gift buying season.
Find it here:
http://www.pearmillvintageemporium.co.uk/
Levenshulme Antique Market
“I couldn’t decide! Each of these features stalls from individual sellers, so you get a cross section of odd collectibles, vintage clothes, records and furniture. I can lose hours in any of them!”
Alan, Developer
Based in the Victorian Old Town Hall, this is the perfect spot for anyone on the look out for original and pre-war vintage furniture. With over 30 years of experience, they’re able to provide re-upholstery and restoration services too to make your new pieces really shine.
Find it here:
http://www.theantiquesvillage.com/
Magpie Bakery
“I've gone for Magpie Bakery (stocked in McCall's Organics in the Northern Quarter.) They make small batches of the most delicious vegan, gluten free, refined sugar free, organic bakes - making them perfect for an allergy friendly sweet treat. The hummingbird cake is to die for!
“They're lush!”
Charlotte, Delineo Advocate
Find it here:
https://www.instagram.com/magpiebakerynq/?hl=en
Projekts Skate Park
"I love this place because It's pure nostalgia! I grew up skating there since it opened in 2012, it's brought me many happy memories, friends, some injuries but that's all part of progression. The staff there are wonderful, nice brus and just a fantastic supportive community, everyone’s there for the same reason regardless of who you are.
“They have a shop, classes, venue hire and an excellent café.”
Scott, Junior Art Director
Find it here:
https://projektsmcr.com/
Nice Buns Bakery
"You can’t not love it; the bakery is about 150m away and the smell in the morning just draws you in. The Teacakes are my favourite, four big ones for a quid. And the Manchester Tart and the Cherry Scones…”
Carl, Senior Creative Producer
Based in Stockport, Nice Buns Bakery are a great local bakery offering everything from your essential loaf to sweet treats, as well a few special treats in time for Christmas.
Find it here:
https://www.facebook.com/NiceBunsTheBakers/
House on Fire
“‘Small changes for a better world’ is their strapline, and that backs into the products they sell. Housed within Emporium M33, you’ll find many little things that care about the planet, including Rebel Diamond Soap...check it out.”
Leigh, Executive Creative Director
With a focus on sustainability, House on Fire stocks a range of household essentials made more planet friendly. They’re available online, with local delivery that fits with their sustainable ethos, and instore in the heart of Sale.
Find it here:
https://www.houseonfire.uk
Slattery Cakes
"All the chocolate and cake anyone could ever want <3”
Holly, Digital Strategist
Chocolate, cakes, Christmas treats oh my! If you’re looking for a bit of decadence this Christmas for you our your loved ones, Slattery is three floors of delicious pastries, chocolates and gifts. To top it all off, the Slattery School of Excellence offers a variety of baking and chocolate making courses to help you bring that indulgence you own kitchen.
Find it here:
https://slattery.co.uk
Oklahoma
“My friends love quirky gifts, or anything with a bit of character, to jazz up their living rooms. I’m spoilt for choice gift shopping here!”
Charlotte, Delineo Advocate
Oklahoma is an independent stocking a range of gifts and homeware from other independent brands. As Manchester’s largest independent gift shop, no doubt you’ve heard of them already and it’s easy to see why they’re a popular choice when the festive season rolls round.
Find it here:
https://www.okla.co.uk/
Into the Wild Coffee Shack
“This place is a lovely little coffee shack in the middle of a walk near River Bollin in Hale / Ashley area. Perfect for a winter walk whilst we’re missing the pubs. It’s great for strolling young ones needing an escape or stressed out parents giving the kids a run.“
Sam, Strategy Director
Open 365 days a year, just in case you’re desperate for that Christmas pick me up coffee, The Coffee Shack is hidden away in Bollin Wood and offers a range of hot drinks and fresh brewed coffee perfect as congratulations for getting out for a winter walk!
Find it here:
https://www.intothewildbushcraft.co.uk/coffee-shack
Woodsons Cycles
"This is where local really comes into its own. I’ve used large chains like Decathlon and Evans - their staff obviously are employees not owners. The personal touch and service is plain to see, the prices are a lot cheaper, and delivery is quicker too.”
Carl, Senior Creative Producer
Woodsons is a family owned, independent bicycle shop near the centre of Stockport, with bikes and accessories for all major brands as well as the staff with the knowledge to advise you on it.
Find it here:
http://woodsonscycles.co.uk
Porta Tapas Bar
“It serves great food and is awesome value for money.”
Tony, Head of Development
A perfect spot to keep in mind for weekend lunches and brunches next year, or after work drinks when offices are full again, Portas is a tapas and wine bar bringing Spanish flavour to Salford, Altrincham and Chester. Want to include them in your Christmas gifting? They also offer gift vouchers perfect to pop in a festive stocking.
Find it here:
https://www.portatapas.co.uk
Chapter One Books
“If I’m shopping for books the one thing that will take it from great to excellent is being able to enjoy some coffee and cake in the process. No better place to sit with a brew and spend an afternoon!”
Charlotte, Delineo Advocate
Chapter One Books is a hybrid coffee and book shop. Hosting regular events and workshops throughout the year (when tiering allows,) it's a great place to sit and work, read, or find gift recommendations from a team of book lovers.
Find it here:
https://chapteronebooks.co.uk/
Withington Public Hall Institute
“A unused men's club and snooker hall in the centre of Withington has been re-stored and re-opened as a craft beer and pizza hall (only take away at the mo - boo). They serve amazing pizza's by Basilico and fab local craft beer in a cool, friendly space. It's supporting the community too as it operates as a more than profit company which funnels it's profits back into the building and local initiatives.”
Helen, Senior Campaign Manager
Find it here:
https://twitter.com/withypublichall?lang=en-gb
