📍 Manchester

Manchester City Center

Over the past two years, more and more Hong Kong people have come to the UK through BNO, and many of them have settled in Manchester (Manchester, hereinafter referred to as Manchester). This time I visited a number of relatives in Manchester City, and a friend who was born and raised in Manchester City introduced me to a number of shops suitable for young people to hang out. Today, I'm going to introduce you to five great places to visit in Manchester City:

  • UNITOM
  • Form Lifestyle Store
  • Fred Aldous Ltd
  • Nice Things
  • Søstrene Grene

UNITOM

UNITOM internal

UNITOM is a design-led independent store dedicated to promoting outstanding achievements in the field of visual culture. The UNITOM name combines “Universal” and “Tomorrow” and aims to ignite curiosity, cultivate creativity, and promote various forms of expression. They provide a wide variety of contemporary art, design, fashion, photography, and countercultural publications, as well as display independent magazines, independent publications, and small publications from artists and publishers around the world.

Form Lifestyle Store

Inside the Form Lifestyle Store

Form Lifestyle Store is an independent lifestyle store located in a relatively deserted alley. They love working with small businesses that focus on natural materials, durability, and simple design, praising the makers and craftsmanship behind these products. The founders all have creative backgrounds and understand the difficulties and obstacles small manufacturers face when trying to get their work viewed. Therefore, the store's philosophy is to want consumers to consider the person behind the product, reduce blind purchases, and carefully consider every purchase. In addition, various handicraft workshops are held here on a regular basis.

Fred Aldous Ltd

Inside Fred Aldous Ltd

Fred Aldous is an arts and crafts provider based in the United Kingdom. Since its establishment in 1886, it has a history of over 130 years. They provide a wide variety of handicrafts and hobbyists, including paper crafts, textiles, woodworking supplies, candle making materials, etc., covering everything, and is simply a paradise for craft lovers! Their products are suitable for beginners and experienced craftsmen, and many creative products are suitable as gifts. They also offer a variety of craft courses and seminars so that customers can learn new skills or hone existing ones.

Nice Things

Inside Nice Things

Established in Manchester City in 2019, Nice Things is one of the largest independent family potting stores in the UK. With over 100 species of plants, from large 2-metre tall plants to mini bedside decorations, it's simply a tropical paradise. The clerk can recommend plants that are easy to care for or rare and rare varieties for customers. In addition to plants, the store also has plenty of materials needed to care for plants, so if you want to buy plants for your home, don't miss this place.

Søstrene Grene

Søstrene Grene interior

Danish lifestyle boutique Søstrene Grene is bringing its Hygge inspired homeware to Manchester (and recently opened a branch on Tottenham Court Road in London). The brand's English name translates to “The Grene Sisters,” and the concept behind it is the company's sister founders — the creative aesthetician Anna and the practical and logical Clara. Together, they represent the brand's values: fun, creativity, new discoveries, and constant change. The products in the store have been carefully selected and are very cost-effective.

How to get to Manchester?

💡 Within the UK:Buy a transport card and get 1/3 off UK trains and London Underground all year round
💡 Train orders:Use Omio to order train and bus tickets to Manchester [New users enjoy instant €10 discount! ]
💡 Flight ticket order:Use Skyscanner to compare airfares to Manchester Airport to find the best date and time!

Hello, everyone! I am Nicole, a Hong Konger living in the UK. I hope that by sharing my experience, I can give you some insights. All the articles and website design of this blog are done by me slowly. If you have any enquiries about studying, travelling, work, design, or business cooperation, feel free to contact me!

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