Many of Manchester’s brilliant independent businesses need our help now more than ever. After months of restricted sales, they will be relieved to see a light at the end of the tunnel with the easing of lockdown. However, the return to normal may not be easy as many are still unable to open their doors.

Manchester is packed with wonderfully unique and creative small businesses. As our base and main stomping ground we are always on the look out for new places to find delicious treats or unusual trinkets. Here we highlight five fabulous businesses, born and based in the city, who need our support as they try to get back to normal.

Evelyn’s Café Bar

Evelyn’s is a restaurant and bar in the Smithfield Building on the iconic Tib Street in the Northern Quarter. The casual dining room has previously been the perfect spot to enjoy a menu inspired by world flavours, however under the current restrictions restaurants are still unable to open their doors. Instead, Evelyn’s is now offering a takeaway and delivery service, Wednesday – Sunday, 12.30 – 20.30. Get a delicious rose latte and grab pancakes and French toast for a lavish lunch, or bob down for dinner to really make the most of their extensive menu. The smoothies, cocktails, beer and wine are the perfect accompaniment to make your meal extra special.

Seven bro7hers

Set up in 2014 by seven brothers from Salford, this brewery makes really good craft beer. The Seven Bro7hers brewery produces lager, ale and stout, and the boys often add a unique twist like with the Manchester-inspired ‘Bee honeycomb pale ale’. Their success over the last six years has enabled them to open four ‘beerhouse’ locations across greater Manchester. But, like all bars and pubs, the doors have been firmly closed to patrons since lockdown began in March. To maintain revenue, the team have focussed on the online ‘beer shop’, where brews are available to order for delivery. They have also organised online brewery tours including a tasting session of beers sent to your home. Check out their Facebook page to find out more about this unique brewery.

Form Lifestyle Store

Another Northern Quarter gem. Form Lifestyle Store is on Bradley Street and is serene in comparison to the hectic Manchester streets. Fashion graduate Elly Amoroso and her graphic designer boyfriend Harry Williams set the shop up two years ago. They hoped to combat the trend for mass-produced, throwaway products. Instead the store is a treasure-trove of mostly handmade interior design pieces by small, independent designers and makers. Form has set up an online shop during its closure and is currently posting out orders twice a week. You can also find their unique homeware on Trouva and meet the makers via their website.

Salut Wines

One of Manchester’s finest independent wine retailers. The Cooper Street bar is usually stocked with a great selection of wines from around the world. If you have heard of Salut, you may already know about the fancy wine preservation machine. On arrival at the bar you can put credit on a card that allows you to access the plethora of wines within the machine, collecting samples of 50ml, 125ml or 175ml. You can create your own interactive wine tasting whilst snacking on the simple finger food that is on offer. During their closure, Salut is offering free nationwide delivery via their online shop, giving customers access to mixed wine cases that have been carefully curated.

Piccadilly Records

An independent record shop in the heart of Manchester born in 1978. This shop is part of Manchester’s history and a go-to for DJs, collectors and musical superstars alike. The Oldham Street store stocks a vast variety of genres on both vinyl and CD, so you are sure to find something special here. Staff are as passionate about music as the patrons and offer their own recommendations on the website and social media. Piccadilly has recently started releasing mixes by staff and friends of the shop on their mixcloud page, a great way to stay connected with customers. If you want to support this brilliant part of Manchester’s history, check out the website to shop their collection online.

That’s just five of Manchester’s brilliant independent businesses that we know. Who do you want to support? Let us know!

Looking for lockdown gifts? Here are some great suggestions.