Form Lifestyle Store

form-shop.com

6 Bradley St, Northern Quarter M1 1EH

Ceramicists, candle-makers, illustrators and alchemists have all been given a home in this leafy, bare-brick haven of creative Zen located in the former servants’ quarters of a Georgian mansion. Elly Amoroso and partner Harry Williams specifically set out their store to support small, independent makers from near and far. “We tend to choose makers favouring traditional craftsmanship, producing considered pieces on

a small scale and making a conscious effort to reduce their impact on the planet,” says Amoroso. There’s organic hand soap from East Anglia and mugs from local designer Frida Cooper. Regular workshops and events run here too, everything from botanical – covering terrariums, the Japanese art of kokedama and floristry – to screen printing and silversmithing. 

Erst

erst-mcr.co.uk

9 Murray St, Ancoats M4 6HS

The name means ‘long ago’, but with its minimalist lines, grey-green tones, and focus on small plates, Erst is every inch a contemporary diner. Recently opened, it’s already known for its happy atmosphere and modern European fare – think charcuterie, homemade flatbreads and savoury drink-friendly morsels such as ricotta dumplings. There’s a focus on natural wines, all sourced by the four co-owners, who started their Ancoats operations with the popular Trove bakery and café next door. “As a team, we’d spend our time talking about food, where we’d been on holiday and what we would eat and drink while there,” says co-founder Marcus Saide on the origins of their latest venture. “Erst is about simplicity: sourcing the best natural wine and seasonal ingredients and letting them speak for themselves.” 

Just Between Friends

 justbetweenfriendscoffee.com

56 Tib St, Northern Quarter M4 1LG

As the name suggests, this bright, compact, 15-seat café is just the place to pause for a convivial brew while exploring the fashion boutiques, record shops and homewares stores of the Northern Quarter. During the week, the baristas cater to commuters working in the burgeoning number of local creative businesses in the area – serving up house espresso from Brixton-based Assembly Coffee, supplemented with blends from suppliers that might include renowned Berlin roastery The Barn. Mop up your caffeine with one of the toasties, brownies or slices of lemon drizzle cake. 

Beaumont Organic

beaumontorganic.com

49 Hilton St, Northern Quarter M1 2EF

Behind the green façade of Hannah Beaumont’s neighbourly boutique, you’ll find organic cotton jerseys, sweatshirts and yoga kits, plus candles, diffusers and incense – perfect for Christmas gifting. When Beaumont started her business, she knew she wanted to stand out. “I just felt I could create something with fabrics that were well produced, made by people who were paid fairly and with a much more transparent supply chain,” she says. All the clothing is designed in-house and made in Portugal at ethical, family-run factories, while the interior, like the fashion, is pared back, cool and calming. There’s a table at the back for talks and workshops in everything from macramé to Christmas wreath- and card-making, and seating where you can relax with a coffee. “I wanted it to feel like walking into a home,” says Beaumont. 

Rudy's Pizza

rudyspizza.co.uk

9 Cotton St, Ancoats M4 5BF

Since Jim Morgan and Kate Wilson started up Rudy’s in Ancoats three years ago, the Neapolitan-style pizzeria’s success has gone through the roof, and now has restaurants in Birmingham, Liverpool and, next up, Leeds. Rudy’s first won devotees for its 24-hour double-fermented dough, which carries authentic toppings such as fior di latte and Italy’s coveted San Marzano tomatoes, delivered twice a week from Naples. Fans keep on coming for aperitivo Campari cocktails, great-value pizzas, and the warm, lively vibe created by staff who’ll remember your name. There might be a queue on Saturday night, but get your name down and grab a craft beer around the corner – they’ll call you when your table’s ready. 

Ancoats General Store

ancoatsgs.co.uk

57 Great Ancoats St (corner of Blossom St), Manchester M4 5AB

Barista-poured coffee, draught beers, DJ sets and street-food pop-ups all jockey for position inside this store among the baked beans, jams, oat milks and olives lining the shelves here. There’s even a post office. Inspired by the likes of Whole Foods and Planet Organic, owner Mital Morar has taken things a step further, shaking up the concept of what a convenience store can be during his 10 years of running similar
businesses in Manchester. Since opening in 2016, Ancoats General Store has seen
such heavy footfall it has already been refurbished twice, with a third re-gearing imminent. “The purpose,” says Morar, “was to offer an everyday convenience store married with lots of local and premium products with provenance and a talking point – whether vegan, organic or locally sourced – and to curate an experience and sense of theatre around it all.”