happy little places: northern quarter

Thursday, 25 June 2015

#WeBlogMCR - The Foundation Coffee House Meet

It took me just over a year to decide that I wanted to write my own blog. I caught blog-fever whilst planning my wedding, as I devoured a wealth of wedding blogs on a daily basis. Eventually I had had enough, I wanted in. My own special little place on the internet where I was free to be creative, share things that I love and build on my passion for interiors. One particular aspect that I wasn't really expecting but has taken me pleasantly by surprise is the blogging community. There are so many lovely people, all kind and willing to help each other out. It really is fab. If you are thinking of starting a blog, my advice is do it!

One perfect example of the blogging community at its best is #WeBlogMCR. These Manchester-based blogger events are ran by Holly (Holly Goes Lightly and Dribble) who is the loveliest hostess, she makes everybody feel welcome, sets a really relaxed vibe for the event to run by and even brings prizes! I went to the first meet up a whole year ago and attended the third meet up this past week. Last Thursday evening saw me turn up to The Foundation Coffee House on Lever Street in the Northern Quarter of Manchester. If you're around the area and in need of coffee then you should definitely try it. The staff are delightfully friendly, my first ever matcha latte was scrumptious and the interior is a complimentary mix of industrial-cool and vintage charm.

Holly said a few welcoming words and we soon got stuck in to the far-reaching realms of blogging and all its wonders. The group comprised of fashion, beauty, health and lifestyle bloggers all happily sharing tips, troubles and goals whilst snapping pics of our location, drinks and nibbles. The Foundation Coffee House was kind enough not only to supply the space (after their usual opening hours) but also provided espresso martinis and a super healthy juice shots. Yum. I thoroughly enjoyed the evening and getting to make some new blogging friends, as well as catch up with some old ones too. Make sure you scroll down and take some time to have a look at their links. Once again a massive thanks to Holly who put this all together whilst heavily pregnant! Absolute star :)

Matcha latte // espresso martini // skin juice boost

Great little styling details like the table leg and shelves

Scandi-inspired interiors

Hexagon tiles // subway tiles

Dromomania
Kat Horrocks
Oui Stephanie
Radiance Nutrition
Sarah Jane Jackson
EmmyLou Kelly Photography
SpamellaB
Smile At Style
Greedy Sisters

Claire x

Home Is...In Ancoats

I mentioned last week that I was heading to Home Is In The North on Saturday so I thought I'd share how I got on.

My mum and I arrived at Halle St Peter's quite early on in the day and there was already a fair bit of hustle and bustle. It's a gorgeous venue, I challenge anyone to walk through the door and not be a little bit gobsmacked at what you find. It's quite unexpected to step into a beautifully restored deconsecrated church in the middle of Ancoats, surrounded by old buildings and converted warehouses. Ancoats is on the up and it's great to see an area of Manchester with so much history being given a new lease of life.

The thirty-something exhibitors had each created beautiful and enticing stalls. There were plenty of pieces catching my eye as we began to wander so we decided to do a recce tour of the room before any purchase decisions were made. The purchases I did make are going to be gifts and so I can't share them here (sorry!)

However, here's a glimpse into some of my favourites:
Scented candles from Lomas and Lomas, wooden Christmas decorations from Double Thumbs Up, vintage furniture and homewares from Homeward, mugs and coasters from Northern Letters, notepads and cushions from Natalie Laura Ellen, unique ceramic vases from Knit Me A Stitch, cosy investment quilts from Lisa Watson and pretty much everything by Ink Inc (I was stood at their stall for so long trying to decide which little character was the cutest!).

Ink Inc

Natalie Laura Ellen

You can see a full list of exhibitors here.

The event was fuelled by Ancoats Coffee, Tea with Tom, Rudy's Pizza and Fat Annie's Hot Dogs. All of which looked and smelt amazing. I had to stop myself from digging in as we were heading to lunch after the event. It took a lot of will power though!

#UpInYourGrill

Love food? Love drink? Love music? Then you best get yourself down to the latest offering from B.Eat Street, Manchester.

#UpInYourGrill has set up shop for 10 weeks at Brownsfield Mill on Tariff Street in the Northern Quarter.

Source

Hosting a delicious selection of street food vendors and cocktail makers. This is my new favourite spot for a post-work Friday night or a Saturday date night with the husband.

Last Friday's beautiful Manchester weather (yes those three words are being used in the same sentence!) certainly helped make our decision to head over to the Northern Quarter. We arrived around 8.30pm and there was a little queue to contend with. Thankfully the queue rapidly disappeared and we wandered down a rustic stone path into this grounds of a run down warehouse. Extra bonus points to B.Eat Street for the very on-trend location.

We had our priorities straight and headed directly to the first bar for a glass of thirst-quenching cider. Next up, food. There were rather substantial queues for Solita and Reds True BBQ but the jerk chicken of Eat and Sweet had caught my eye. I opted for a jerk chicken split (jerk chicken on a dumpling roll) and was not disappointed. The ridiculously tender chicken was coated in a tangy and spicy jerk marinade and the soft dumpling wasn't as heavy as I'd expected. It went down a treat.

After refuelling on a gin and tonic (it wouldn't be a Friday night without one) we headed to Holy Basil for some 'Bang Thai-dy fries' covered in Thai Green Curry sauce. Unfortunately the chips were a tad dry and I would have added much more sauce, given the option - it was just too yummy. The feel-good sound track was provided by HomoElectric and had most people tapping their feet or head bopping at some point.

Fab night and very cool vibes all round. I'd definitely recommend this if you're looking for something to do in Manchester on a Friday or Saturday evening. #NoExcuses

Claire x

White Memoirs

Gosh, it's got a little busy around here. This has a lot to do with the work I've been doing with Rachael at The Social Butterfly. It's all hands on deck as we get ready for the two White Memoirs Vintage Wedding Fayres.

The first is at Rosylee Tearooms in the Northern Quarter of Manchester on Sunday 16th February 11am - 4pm.

We have on offer the most perfect selection of bespoke exhibitors - get a taste for what's in store with the wedding campaign photoshoot 'Memoirs of a Ballerina' over on Brides Up North.

Cheshire brides need not worry either because White Memoirs is coming to Festival Hall in Alderley Edge on Sunday 23rd February 11am - 4pm.

If you're looking for more information then do take the time to look at the Facebook and event pages. Twitter fans should follow the very lovely @Rachael_AdamsUK to keep up to date with the very latest. Plus, keep your eyes peeled for more fantastic White Memoirs features on Brides Up North.

See you there!

CB x

The Independent Interiors Show - 2022NQ Manchester

I recently volunteered my services to help out with a new event being showcased in the wonderful Northern Quarter in Manchester. The Independent Interiors Show was put together by the rather lovely Rachel and Victoria. I initially found out about the event through the wonderful world of twitter and added it to my calendar to make sure I was free to attend. Then I thought, why not get involved. So I did!

The day started early at the super on trend venue 2022NQ just off Dale Street in the Northern Quarter. It was a smooth set up which involved lots of running back and forth up the basement stairs - resulting in a few aches the next day. This effort was all worthwhile as each stand looked unique and beautiful. It was a top notch selection of interiors and homewares. Heaven!

Moregeous

Throughout the day there was a constant stream of happy shoppers coming through the doors. They also got the chance to observe and/or take part in several demonstrations. Sian of http://moregeous.wordpress.com/ did some upcycling using Annie Sloane Chalk Paint. Must give this a go! And May Wild Ceramics did some pottery turning. (Not sure if I'd have the steady hand for this, but they certainly made it look easy).