Chin Up Duck

A New Lease of Life

Chorlton’s Co-op Funeralcare building isn’t exactly its most attractive destination – but it could be! Linsey Parkinson talks to Chris Peacock of Chorlton Community Land Trust Most of us barely give the Co-op Funeralcare building a second glance, but it used to be something very special indeed. Formerly the Picture House and the Gaumont cinema, it was the main social centre […]

Chorlton Blinds

Liz Purcell of Chorlton Blinds knows her windows. “We have every kind here in Chorlton: from giant Victorian bays (where right angles are a rarity) to high-tech eco new-builds. Choosing the right treatment is about much more than architecture, though: it’s also about lifestyle needs and finding a look that complements your interiors as a whole. “There’s so much choice out there. It’s my job to […]

Best of Friends

The Creative Recycling Gallery has brought beauty to Chorlton’s Beech Road for 15 years. Linsey Parkinson talked to its owners, Fiona Norton and Glennis  Andrews, about its future and how we can all help. The Creative Recycling Gallery is more than just a great place to buy unique, handmade gifts. It’s also been an outlet […]

The Real Deal

After a series of pop-ups and temporary take-overs, the Real Junk Food Cafe is settling down in a place of its own. I meet its inspiring director, food waste activist Corin Bell.

Backstage at Barbakan

Every Chorltoner knows that if you’re on Manchester Road at a certain time of day, you breathe in the aroma and smile. The bread’s in the oven at Barbakan and all’s well with the world. It’s no exaggeration to say that this family business is a Chorlton institution. Originally established over 50 years ago, the […]

Winter warmth 

Our Victorian ancestors (living in many of the houses we live in now), had it tough. Their bathroom experience when the weather turned colder involved a LOT of shivering. Arms, hands and faces would get a very quick wipe using water (probably cold, unless the fires were already lit) from a jug and bowl on a […]