As we come out of lockdown and into Tier 3, it may seem that all restaurants, cafes and bars will remain closed. However, there are still many local, independent businesses that are offering a delicious variety of Manchester’s finest food and drink via takeaways. It is more important than ever to shop locally and support small businesses in need of extra help whilst recognising the benefits this also has for the environment. From zero-waste shopping to self-care cafés, volunteer Rachel has compiled a list of some of her favourite planet-friendly local businesses that are still open and would really appreciate your support at this time of year.
Eco and Zero-Waste Shops
Want Not Waste
It would simply be silly to waste this opportunity to remind you where we are!! Want Not Waste is a student run zero-waste shop located right on the University of Manchester’s campus. Staffed by a lovely group of volunteers, come in store for some plastic free, affordable goodies and a good chat. The shop also offers takeaway tea and coffee as well as a Terracycle drop off point and Food Bank/Once a Month donation boxes. Follow the shop on Instagram and Facebook to keep up to date with the store’s news.
Address: The Academy, Manchester M13 9PR
Lentils and Lather
This Withington-based zero-waste eco-friendly and ethical store offers a wide range of food, household and bathroom products that support local, independent suppliers. Customers are encouraged to bring their own containers, whilst brown paper bags are offered and crochet bags are available for purchase. As well as bulk and packaged food, the shop also offers fresh produce, such as baked goods from Chorlton Bread, The Future Taste of Chocolate and Urban Baker. The chocolate cake is a MUST HAVE. The shop is also currently collecting eco bricks and you can find more information about this on their website if interested.
Address: 50 Burton Road, Manchester, M20 3EB.
The 8th Day
This well-known favourite has been a staple on Oxford Road since 2003, with the Co-operative first introduced to Manchester in 1970. The 8th Day Co-operative is a veggie/vegan Health Food Shop offering a great variety of zero waste and plastic free, Fairtrade, Organic, veggie and vegan foods and household items. Pop in store to discover produce from Organic North Wholesalers and fresh bread supplied by Trove Foods. If you’d prefer to stay at home, their online shop has recently gone live. The 8th Day offers delivery and collection services and by using the code ‘WEARELIVE’ you can get you a discount online. Although the café is currently closed, the shop deli is open and selling freshly made sandwiches, pastries and more from their plant-based kitchen.
Address: 111 Oxford Road, Manchester, M1 7DU
Unicorn Grocery
Unicorn Grocery operates as a workers’ co-operative, supplying customers with fresh, wholesome and affordable food that is locally produced, Fairtrade and organic, priding themselves as a legitimate alternative to mainstream supermarkets. The store sells nearly all their fruit and veg loose and offers paper bags, the option to bring your own containers and a ‘borrow a bag’ scheme. On Mondays, the store offers free delivery to customers through Chorlton Bike Deliveries. The same delivery service is available for Lentils and Lather on Tuesdays. The store’s range of homemade produce at their deli is a great excuse for a visit.
Address: 89 Albany Rd, Chorlton, Manchester, M21 0BN
McCall’s Organics
McCall’s Organics is an organic, zero-waste market situated in a lovely snug spot in the city centre opposite the Arndale, neighbours to Jerk Shack NQ and Northern Soul. Although a smaller shop, the store is stuffed full to the brim with fresh produce, baked goods from Magpie Bakery, essential household items and more. In addition to the shop remaining open during this second lockdown, they offer fruit and veg boxes that can be delivered to your door or picked up in store. Whilst you’re there, you may also fancy popping your head into the ‘Traditional Fruit and Veg’ unit next door.
Address: Unit 6, 7 Church St, Manchester M4 1PN
Veggie Boxes
It was back in March during the first lockdown that I began to order veggie boxes that supplied fresh, local produce straight to the door. These are a great option if you want to support local producers, minimise air miles and buy wonky fruit and veg which can be delivered with far less packaging. Manchester has a great selection of veggie boxes of different varieties and sizes which can be picked up from various collection points or delivered straight to your door. Fruitful Office plants 1 tree in Malawi for every fruit basket they sell and Veg Box People sources from local farms in Lancashire and Cheshire.
Some other great options include Riverford Organic Farmers, Foodlife, Farm to Fork, Fruits of the Forage and Groobox. You can pick up Manchester Urban Diggers veggie boxes from Platt Fields Market Garden.
Cafés and Restaurants
The Feel Good Club
The Feel Good Club is a new addition to the Northern Quarter but has very much already made its mark as an incredible coffee house and bar run by two wives on a mission to make you feel good. As well as serving delicious food and drink, they offer positivity and a safe space to chat. The amazing ethos of the business is exemplified in many ways, including their Pay It Forward scheme. Whether you want to pop in for a delicious Saddleworth Brownies cookie or just a chat to lift your spirits, this spot is a must-go. Follow them on Instagram for daily feel-good posts and pick-me-ups.
Address: 26-28 Hilton St, Manchester M1 2EH
Isca Wines
Although the option to eat and drink in is no longer available, Isca Wines is open with all your natural wine, coffee and organic food needs for takeaway only. Opened a year ago by Issy and Caro, the wine bar recognises the importance of respecting the planet, the people and animals making their ingredients as well as the local community whilst running their business. They are committed to becoming zero waste and are currently operating single use plastic free. Home delivery is a useful option through their online website.
Address: 825 Stockport Rd, Levenshulme, Manchester M19 3PN
Some other great independent cafés include spots such as Nibble, Idle Hands, Just Between Friends, Federal, Thyme Out and Another Heart to Feed. For plant-based options, Vertigo Plantbased Eatery, Herbivorous, V Rev Vegan Diner and Oke Poke are open and/or available on Deliveroo/Uber Eats.
We hope there’s something here for everyone and that if you’re in Manchester over the festive period you’ll enjoy some of the seasonal food up for grabs! Otherwise you can be it is on all of our New Year’s Goal Lists to visit all of these great places Rachel has recommended! As always, if you visit anywhere please let us know and maybe send us a pic of what you’re munching – I’m hungry now!!
Author: Rachel
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