We’re taking a look at the vintage and hand-crafted scene in Manchester, concentrating on the Northern Quarter area situated in the city centre.
The area has a nice collection of shops & stalls to tempt the vintage and hand-crafted enthusiast.
Let’s start with Manchester Craft & Design Centre. It’s a wonderful old building – a Victorian former fish & poultry market.
Spread over 2 floors, it houses a number of fabulous designer/makers, each with their own workspace cum retail outlet.
There are lots of gorgeous jewellery, clothing, home furnishings and accessories on sale.
Special mention must go to Calico Angel at Holm, owned by Susan Kane & Clinton Pilkington.
Not only are their products beautiful but the display was really imaginative – it’s an inspiring space.
There’s also a lovely little coffee shop, Café Aromat, on the premises. On a recent trip we had the best homemade muffins we’ve ever tasted!
Sticking with the hand-crafted theme, we move to Manchester Fashion Market
It’s held on Saturdays at the Piccadilly end of Tib Street.
It’s a group of about 10 outdoor stalls which sell clothing, bags, accessories and homewares – many using recycled fabric and materials.
Continuing on with vintage…
…there’s a great selection of vintage and retro shops in the area.
We love Pop Boutique on Oldham Street.
It always has a few tempting things in the window.
Once inside, you’ll find retro fashion upstairs and vintage homewares downstairs – along with a bustling café.
Across the road is Den Furniture…
…which has a mixture of contemporary & period vintage furniture including reupholstered pieces given a new lease of life.
Next door is Ryan Vintage – a real rummager’s paradise – both mens’ & womens’ fashion and very popular with Manchester’s student population.
Also on Oldham Street is Oxfam Originals…
… a great selection of clothes, bags, shoes and ties… and of course, the money goes to charity!
A short walk around the corner – back on Tib Street – is Rags to Bitches…
…it stocks a discerning selection of vintage clothes & accessories.
They also run lots of fashion-related talks & events in their shop.
Then there’s Cup on Thomas Street – homemade cakes & vintage crockery – what could be better?
Close by on Church Street, is Affleck’s Palace, something of a Manchester institution.
Three floors of fashion, vintage and alternative culture.
Also in the area and worth a visit are American Graffitti, Bluerinse Vintage and Retro Rehab – and some good art & craft supply shops like Fred Auldous and Abakan Fabrics, Hobby & Home.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our little tour and get the chance to visit!
