Last November we travelled to UNITOM (a gorgeous magazine, book and stationery store in Manchester) to talk about our new Japan issue, Slow Travel Britain and the general joy of magazine making. The conversation was between me (creative director Liz Schaffer), designer Thomas Harrison (who has helped create every issue over the past decade), and contributing photographer Chiara Dalla Rosa.
As UNITOM wrote: ‘The discussion was a reminder that you don’t have to physically visit a place to feel its essence [and] touched on everything from slow travel and the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, to the joys of creating as a side hustle. Liz’s advice for travellers - “be kind, take everything step by step” - resonated deeply, reminding us of the value of approaching life and creativity with an open heart and mind.’
You can hear the full talk by clicking here.
While in town, designer Thomas and the team and UNTOM waxed lyrical about the brilliant things you can do in their home city, and I wanted to share a few of their suggestions (along with some of my own finds) below:
Shop
Form Lifestyle Store - Hidden away down a Northern Quarter side street, this gorgeously curated shop showcases wares from designers across the UK, alongside a few sustainability-focused artisans from further afield.
Nordic Muse - She may be petite, but this store packs a serious punch on the Scandi-inspired design front.
UNITOM and Rare Mags - If you also live and breathe indie print, these two outposts will have you swooning.
Fred Aldous - This is a haven for anyone who loves getting crafty. In business since 1886, the haberdashers and art supply store is rightly adored by the city’s thriving creative community.
Work
LEVEN Manchester - I often have to get a little work done on the road, and if you find yourself in the same boat (or in need a chic change of scene) I recommend settling in at LEVEN Manchester, a hotel and co-working space found in a revamped former cotton warehouse in the heart of the pedestrianised Gay Village (which is at its liveliest during the annual Manchester Pride Festival). If you need help unlocking your creativity, order a custom cocktail at The Lobby Bar, which mixes up some of the city’s best tipples.
Eat
Pollen - It’s hard to find a spot in Manchester more beloved than Pollen . The bakery’s sourdough is particularly revered (slow fermented for 28 hours) and there’s a full brunch menu if you’re craving something heartier.
Long Boi’s Bakehouse - Run by an all woman team, locals come here for the sense community as much as the exceptional seasonal bakes.
Ezra & Gil - With three venues across Manchester, Ezra & Gil (which translates as ‘helper and happiness’) has made a name for itself on the coffee and brunch front.
Nell’s Pizza - While you come to the family-run Nell’s for the New York-inspired pizza (made using dough that’s been slow-fermented for more than 36 hours), you’ll stay for good vibes. Few restaurants leave patrons feeling quite so happy (or have such good sustainability credentials).
MAYA - Step in from Canal Street and you’ll be greeted by a light-bathed brasserie (made for sunny long lunches), but follow the stairs down and you’ll find another world entirely. MAYA’s Art Deco-esque interiors are dark, decadent and feature splashes of gold, and while the inventive seasonal menu is phenomenal, it’s the cocktails that steal the show. The coffee coconut martini is their take on an espresso martini that arrives at your table perfectly clear (four days of alchemy are involved in its preparation - one step includes washing coffee beans in vodka). This is the perfect spot to raise a glass to Manchester and all it contains.
Food photography: Maya Manchester