Clare's Journal
Welcome to the neighbourhood | King's Road
24 Sept 2024
Welcome to the Neighbourhood
Hello Manchester
We’ve finally made it up north (and to the hometown of our founder, Clare) with a brand-new store opening on Manchester’s King Street. We’ve put together a selection of the area's best places to eat, drink, shop and explore in our neighbourhood guide.
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Words by: Isla Philo. Design by: Melanie Makariou
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EAT + DRINK
Factory Coffee
Start the day off right with a caffeine boost and baked goods courtesy of Factory Coffee. Proudly calling themselves an Artisan Coffee Experience, Factory Coffee prides itself on using delicious beans in its signature blend, which is roasted by fellow northern company, Leeds-based North Star Coffee Roasters.
Climat
When lunchtime is calling, take a five-minute walk to Deansgate and travel 8 floors up to find Climat. The wine-led, glass-walled restaurant is situated on one of Manchester’s most picturesque rooftops, complete with an outdoor terrace. A daily changing menu of creative dishes that use the best of British produce, and an impressive cellar's worth of wine pairings to match, makes this place a standout spot.
Erst Restaurant
Located in Ancoats, Erst is the ultimate spot for small plate sharers and lovers of natural wine. The open kitchen and minimalist, industrial interiors give this restaurant a bustling yet calm atmosphere, which is the perfect for enjoying the seasonal menu of creative dishes and delicious wine pairings to match.
CULTURE
AP House
AP House marks the unexpected union of Swiss watchmaking expertise with a celebration of Manchester’s musical history. Located in a restored Georgian townhouse, the showroom delivers an immersive viewing experience of Audemars Piguet’s latest designs, while doubling up as a social spot to sit, relax and enjoy a drink. The dedicated music room is a tribute to the city’s rich heritage while paying homage to famous northern hospitality with an elegant bar, large roof terrace and locally brewed beer on tap.
John Rylands Library
For lovers of architecture, the John Rylands Library is an unmissable sight, in part due to its size and also thanks to its impressive Neo-Gothic structure. Part of the University of Manchester’s historic campus, it’s been a research institution for over 125 years and is open to the public from Wednesday to Saturday for visits.
The Whitworth
Founded in 1889, The Whitworth Gallery is home to a collection of more than 60,000 works of art, textiles and wallpapers, while also hosting an ever-changing selection of exhibits. The art reaches beyond the building’s elegant glass structure and into the surrounding grounds, including an art garden and sculpture terrace.
STAY
King Street Townhouse
The favourite hotel of our Founder + CEO, Clare during her many trips up north, King Street Townhouse is an elegant hotel located in a historic Rennaissance-style building, conveniently located just steps away from our new location. Equipped with a rooftop pool, a luxurious spa and an all-day restaurant with plush velvet booths and an Art-Deco interior, you’ll never want to check out.
SHOP
House of Books & Friends
An idea born out of lockdown, House of Books & Friends is a purpose-led independent bookshop and cafe designed to encourage community and combat loneliness. Located in one of Manchester’s impressive Grade II listed buildings, it’s ideal for browsing the impressive collections or enjoying afternoon tea, knowing that every penny spent goes back into supporting local charities and events.
Nordic Muse
Situated on Tib Street a short walk from our home on King St, Nordic Muse is a homeware, clothing and jewellery shop that celebrates the quality design and easy elegance of Scandinavian style. The store + brand pride themselves on an authentic approach, so every product is carefully hand-picked by the team, from hygge-focused home accessories to simple jewellery designs and thoughtful gifts.
ME+EM
Saving the best for last, our King Street store. This is our first stand-alone location in the hometown of our founder + CEO Clare Hornby, and is split over two floors, including a VIP styling suite. Designer Matt Marris consulted on the space to ensure it stays true to our other locations across the UK and the US, by utilising a soft palette and plaster-finish walls. We turned to one of our favourite London-based interior designers Rose Uniacke, for upholstery and soft furnishings, while Manchester-made striped fabric, created from 100% recycled plastic bottles, from Colours of Arley covers the banquet seating.
