Manchester Food & Drink festival have just unveiled their nominations for this year's MFDF awards, ahead of their annual festival starting on 15 September.
But among the big hitters like Dishoom and Hawksmoor, there are several Levenshulme locals vying for your vote.
So to make it easy, here's our rundown of the Levenshulme food and drink indies that are up for nominations, and their categories.
You have until midnight on 16 September to cast your vote and change at getting some of your most-loved Levenshulme businesses the recognition they so deserve.
Since opening in 2020, our little, local bakery has gone from strength to strength, feeding Levenshulme locals as well as supplying a few different indies around Manchester. As a result, they've deservedly picked up their nomination for the best independent food producer of the year.
One of Levenshulme's newest (but long-time-coming) additions is Station South. And they've landed themselves a nomination in the best-coffee-category. I mean, we've had it. And we agree. So feel free to take our word for it and cast a vote their way.
Two Levenshulme eateries and have successfully made their way into the best-bang-for-your-buck category: Aunty Ji's and Levenshulme Bakery.
While they're both great value eats. It feels a little unfair to ignore the fact that they're both serving up top notch food in their own right.
After another year of helping people's English language skills through the power of food and creative cookalongs, Heart & Parcel have rightfully picked up a nomination in the pop up or project of the year category. And they've certainly got our vote.
It does seem kind of fitting - given the thriving bar scene in Levenshulme - that one of the toughest choices to make is in the pub or bar of the year category...
Both Station Hop and Nordie have got the nod. And we absolutely love both - so there's no way we could pick a favourite. But a vote for either is a vote for Levenshulme. And a team one-two is still on the cards. So go with your beer gut.
So that's that. No less than seven nominations for Levenshulme independents in this year's MFDF awards! That's pretty good going. And with your help, we can make sure that they walk away with the awards and recognition they so deserve.
To cast your vote, head over to the Manchester Food & Drink festival website.
And remember, you have until midnight on 16 September. So go and share that Levy Love.
The Fallowfield Loop has been known for its incredible art for a while, from huge Mac Miller murals to smaller artworks. But this might be the first time the loop has been covered top-to-tail with art that literally jumps off the walls.
And the best bit? It's free. So it's the perfect excuse to spend a Spring bank holiday out exploring with friends and family.
Now, thanks to two local artists, the loop has been transformed into a street-art treasure trail for everyone to enjoy.
It's easy - and helpfully, the artists have even created a map.
First, you'll need to download the Artivive app on your phone. Then, get on the Fallowfield Loop at St. Werburgh Road's tram stop near Chorlton, and follow it all the way to Station South in Levenshulme - perfect for a post-trail bite to eat.
When you find each installation, open the Artivive app, point your camera at it - and watch them all come to life!
A complete A-Z and 0-9 set of bold, graphic letters and numbers make up the trail. And every character has a unique animation, turning the whole loop into a dancing game of gotta-scan-em-all to spell out a hidden message.
Once you've completed the map, take it into Station South for 15% off food and non-alcoholic drinks in April 2022. And let's be real: by this point, you've earned it.
The full AR art trail is about 3.5 miles long, ending in Levenshulme. So if you're walking, it might take you just over an hour to complete in one direction.
You can run, cycle, trike or scoot it, too. On wheels, it'll take about 30 minutes to finish. But leave another 30 to get back.
The Fallowfield Loop is a scenic walk and cycleway that connects Chorlton and Fairfield, via Fallowfield and Levenshulme. So the path is well maintained and easygoing. Any comfortable pair of shoes will do the job.
The team behind the art-alphabet art local artists are Oskar (@oskarwitha.k) and Will Albin-Clark.
Both graphic, digital designers and wall muralists, they collaborated on the designs, animation and painting of each letter and number.
The process involved creating two versions of each design: the physical design, to be painted, and an animated, digital version which they then animate.
The app recognizes each of the individual designs and overlays the digital counterpart - blending the two images.
If you do get out about, tag Oskar, Will and @LevYouLots in your photos - we'd love to see them.
Happy scanning! 🤳
First, it was Levenshulme Station. Then Levenshulme South. Then a cash and carry. Then abandoned and left for the Northern elements to have their way with it - banishing it to the past tense one last time.
But now - finally - it's Station South: Levenshulme's new destination cycle cafe/bar, complete with bike workshop and urban garden.
While some of the bits that will eventually make up Station South are in progress, the doors are opening in April to the general public. Whether it's for a bike repair, brunch with a view or an evening boogie - they've got it covered.
Luckily for us, we were invited to take a look around Station South and celebrate their grand opening with the team - alongside local business owners, volunteers, community groups and MPs.
And let's just say: it's beautiful.
I mean, take a look for yourself.
The steelwork, brickwork and flooring have all been preserved and restored to their former glory. And the bones of the building have been complemented by a few modern finishes, touches and paintwork (for which Levenshulme Runners are due to some credit).
The real impression is made by the windows - reconstructed and restored to their original glory. The terrace, overlooking the Fallowfield Loop might just take the crown for best brunch-view in Levenshulme.
And you won't have long to wait to see it, either. Station South opens its doors to the general public this weekend (1-3 April).
More details are due about that very soon, so you might want to keep an eye on their Facebook for that.
There were times when the odds seemed stacked against the revival of the original Levenshulme Station.
The pressures of unforeseen structural repair work, an ever-growing repair bill and a global pandemic have been felt by all of the team behind Station South. And ultimately led to the four year wait before it would open its doors to the public.
But Directors Abigail Pound, Pauline Johnston and Mark Jermyn all rolled with the punches, gritted their teeth and have seen it through to craft a new beginning for the old heritage building.
During their launch event, local MP Afzal Khan praised the team and celebrated the restoration of the old station to one of "Levenshulme's jewels".
Abigail and Pauline thanked the volunteers, team, supporters and family that all gave them the willpower to finish transforming the building.
But really, this is their success. They've wrangled this old, tired, station into something new and something needed.
The credit, the success and the celebration is theirs' to own.
They're a stronger unit than ever before. And we can't wait to see Station South move from strength to strength, support the thriving local community and continue to reconnect building and borough.
Next up, is reconnecting the building to the Fallowfield Loop and building an urban garden for everyone in the community to enjoy. And a new website, to help people book tables, their large billboard and other events.
To stay in the [Fallowfield] loop on all things Station South, make sure you join their mailing list and follow them on Instagram.
It’s a calm, crisp morning in Manchester. You’ve just hopped off a train at Levenshulme Station, and now you’re standing on The Street With No Name - sun in your eyes - ready to gorge yourself of the sounds, sights and tastes of the M19.
What do you mean, not believable enough?
Fine.
There’s a kind of damp mist that clings to the air - but no rain, somehow. The morning breeze has a bite to it. It’s not that cold, yet it cuts through every layer of clothing. The sky is pure white - and carries an oppressive weight.
Either way, you’re in Levenshulme.
You’re off the train. And now you need something to do. You’ve Googled ‘Things to do in Levenshulme’ but the top result is telling you to leave right this second, and head straight for Treetop Adventure Golf in the city centre.
Well, don’t worry. We’re here to help. With an actual local’s guide to one day in Levenshulme, with recommendations of things to do that carry an M19 postcode.
Even if you followed this plan to the letter, you’ll spend a grand total of 39 minutes ambling between each spot. So when we say you could only follow this guide and have a good time - we’re backing ourselves.
So. Now what?
Without further ado, here’s our AM to PM itinerary that’ll make sure you have a cracking day and night in Levy - and still make the last train home.
If the weather actually is on your side. We’d recommend a morning stroll or cycle along the Fallowfield Loop to Highfield Country Park.
Down in the valley, you’d be surprised at how ‘out-of-the-city’ it feels. And the tree-lined cycleway is a pleasant wildlife haven, with plenty of birds, blackberries and bees. I saw a stoat, once. That was cool.
Alongside the nature, you’ll get a good view of Station South and some of the fantastic graffiti art murals, too - perfect for The Gram.
See, now you’ve earned brunch. And it’s gonna be good.
Leave the Fallowfield Loop at Station South, and you’re a short stroll from a few of Levenshulme’s best little brunch spots.
Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of them. And we have listings for all of them on Lev You Lots - so I’d recommend scoping them out and choosing the one that tempts you most.
If you’re after a dirty chai, pick Aunty Ji’s. A full vegan breakfast? I’d hit up Nordie. If you’re looking for a latte and a pastry, you can’t miss out on T R O V E.
Nothing like a spot of shopping on a full stomach. Levenshulme’s three-floor antiques village, complete with secondhand book shop is right opposite Nordie and T R O V E - so you haven’t got far to go.
The village occupies the old council offices. So even if you’re not looking for a new chaise longue, you can probably appreciate the original tilework and mosaic floors.
Make you sure you don’t miss the old police station next door, too, where you can find even more antique furniture and other collectibles.
Cross the road again, and you’ll find Moss & Maple - our independent plant and flower shop.
It’s filled to the brim with houseplants, bouquets and other nice things. Just don’t buy more than you can carry.
I mean… where else?
If it’s a Saturday (and not January or Februart), make your way to Levenshulme Market and take your pick. From wood-fired pizza, to burritos, Nepalese dumplings and pastries - Levy Market literally has something for everyone and is the epitome of everything wonderful about Levenshulme.
And don’t just go for the food. Grab a coffee (or something else, we don’t judge) and browse the artists and makers selling their own hot stuff.
If the bustle and busyness of the market and the A6 has left you needing to unwind, we’d recommend wandering to a nearby park for a little us-time.
And fortunately, Long Boi’s is on the way to Cringle Park. And I think they’re a match made-in-heaven.
Long Boi’s bakehouse is tucked away on Forest Range, away from the main drag of Levenshulme. And it’s a pleasant pitstop for a pastry and coffee-to-go.
Cringle Park is seriously quite nice.
Take a stroll down the tree-lined path, and loop back through the fields. If you catch it in the Spring or Autumn, the canopy above (or under your feet) will make for a nice little ✨moment✨
It's getting dark. And you're getting peckish. So, where next?
If you’re eating out in Levy for the first time, you should probably head straight for our newest pizza and Italian restaurant.
But book first. Because these guys are popular.
Georgio and Marco are pretty much local celebrities, having ran a stall out of Levy Market for a few years - proving (🍕) to be fan-favourites among locals and visitors alike.
With a huge selection of pizzas and other authentic dishes, as well as plenty of veggie and vegan options - you can’t go wrong.
A little P.S. - get the doughnuts.
Now that you’re stuffed to the crust with divine pizza, we’re sending you on your way to get merry in one of our favourites bars.
All of them are close to Cibus. And more importantly, close to the train station. We really have thought of everything. Sorry, Manchester Confidentials.
But we are leaving the last choice up to you. Because we don’t know you. And that’s okay. But we can make a few recommendations and guarantee that one of them will match your vibe, and your mood.
If you’re looking for a fairly relaxed evening, and a few craft beers from independent beers to boot, head to Station Hop, ran by Amanda and Chris. It’s a lovely spot, and the staff are always friendly and happy to talk beer, or make recommendations.
If you want the beer, but somewhere a little more lively - head to OverDraught. They have a huge selection of craft beers on tap, as well as bit of the hustle and bustle you might want in a bar.
Or if you're feeling refined, or like your wine, we’d recommend ISCA wines. They’re selection of organic, natural wines is probably one of the best in Manchester. And that’s before we even get started on their food and small plates.
Really, you can’t go wrong with any of them. And if you’re planning a bit of a crawl, why not visit all three? And throw The Talleyrand, Nordie and The Gherkin in for good measure!
You’ve made it. You’ve absolutely completed one day in Levenshulme. Fed, watered, walked. You can thank us in the morning.
Just remember the ibuprofen.
We genuinely hope you have a lovely time in Levy. And while we’ve just about covered one day in South Manchester’s up-and-coming, there’s plenty more worth seeing and doing here.
So why not stick around? Have a look around Lev You Lots and start planning your next excursion.
And we'll see you around 👋
We're introducing pocket guides.
What are pocket guides, we hear you ask?
Well, they were just a general term to describe a book - often a guide to something - that could fit in your pocket. It could be one on mushrooms. DIY. A country or place.
Anything, really.
But our pocket guides never, have never, will never go anywhere near a pocket. So right now, I'm really starting to wonder why we're calling them that.
Our pocket guides are handy, online, one-page guides to parts of Manchester.
So far, we’ve covered Levenshulme, Withington and West Didsbury.
The idea is to give people all the information they'd need to make a daytrip there: a restaurant or bar recommendation, or some shops worth checking out. Some pictures to get a sense of the place and help getting there in the first place.
At the same time, we want to fulfil our aim of getting people there, greener: by bike, bus, train or tram wherever possible. So we’ll give cyclists an idea of what to expect when they get there. Or point people in the direction of the nearest train or tram stop.
We’re more worried about giving too much information. We don’t want to overwhelm people with choice. Instead, we just want to guarantee a really good day out - offering a few recommendations where you can’t really go wrong.
We started Lev You Lots as a guide to Levenshulme. And it will always be that.
For places, events and news in Levenshulme, we want to be the best, most detailed guide - with listings for any shop, bar or independent that call Levy home.
Pocket guides are less detailed. In part, because we won’t always be the leading authority on other parts of Manchester. But mainly because we would never be able to maintain that much information - and make sure it’s always correct.
So they’re about balance. Offering useful information, without being too big for us to manage.
Pocket guides mean we can help more people, and tap into the popularity of some of the neighbouring areas of Manchester.
If more people know about us, they might visit our site for future trips to Levenshulme - which means more people will see, consider and potentially visit places we big up here on Lev You Lots.
Our hope is that one day, raising Levenshulme’s profile will encourage more people to open new businesses here in M19. Meaning we have more places to brag about on Lev You Lots. And the cycle continues!
We think pocket guides could help us in a couple of ways:
All in all, we think pocket guides are a good for everybody:
Anyway, I’ve just remembered that phones actually do go in your pocket. Which means the entire premise of this article has fallen apart.
But at least the name sticks.
Oh, January. Christmas-come-late for vegans and vegetarians everywhere.
Fortunately, Levenshulme has one of the biggest veggie and plant-based populations in Manchester. Which means there's no shortage of restaurants, cafes and takeaways well worth a visit.
And while big chains will start bucking the trend, releasing a vegan option or two for a mere 31 days, before banishing it to the freezer for another year. Some of the locals and independents here in Levy have been feeding vegans (very, very well) for years.
To help you navigate Veganuary, and Levenshulme. We're doing all the work for you. And giving you a hit list of all of the best places to eat vegan right here in South Manchester's finest borough.
So put that Tastes Like Chicken Tikka down. And dig in to our list of plant-based favourites here in Levenshulme.
Right, we're starting here, at JJ's Vish and Chips.
And yes, you might be disappointed that we've started with a takeaway rather than a sit-in restaurant. But, it seems a little rude not to, when it's Levy's only entirely plant-based food joint.
That's right, there isn't a single cod, haddock or milk carton in sight.
JJ's serves up battered tofu fish, banana blossom "Vish", calamari, scampi and all of the chippy classics with a vegan twist.
We're also going to go out on a limb and say that even their chips are the best around.
They even batter oreos. I mean, come on.
The Gherkin is the next closest thing to "all-vegan" - but still amazing - as we can get.
It's an all vegetarian and (mostly) vegan bistro on Slade Lane. They serve breakfast, brunch, lunch and small plates into the evening.
Our favourite two things about The Gherkin are the full vegan breakfast and the famous F.U.V. cocktail.
And if you want both at the same time, we won't judge. It's always 5 o'clock somewhere. And breakfast is already guilt free... 💅
Nordie on Stockport Road might be best known for its beer and wine collection, as well as breakfast and brunch. And while there are meat options on the menu. They really don't mess around when it comes to their vegan choices.
These master picklers rustle up special after special made with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Last time, our vegan breakfast had some pretty potent, and insanely tasty, pickled courgette on it that I still think about - probably too often.
T R O V E is a another brunch spot and bakery well worth a visit.
Their menu is probably the most seasonal and variable in Levenshulme. So we can't promise how many veggie and vegan options there will be - but there'll always be at least one of each. And we haven't had a bad one yet.
We also have them at the top of our oat milk latte leaderboard. So why not pack your reusable cup and take a winter wander around Cringle Park, coffee in hand?
Once you're done wandering. Come back via Long Boi's and ask them to hook you up with one of their pop tarts.
They're moorish, delish and guilt free.
But if pop tarts aren't quite your vibe, they always have plenty of other vegan bakes and treats ready to go.
It's impossible to walk out of this bakery sad. Vegan or otherwise.
If staying inside is more your vibe right now, that's fine. We hear you. And Gwafuvegan does to.
She makes and delivers top notch all-vegan West African food right to your door, including these incredible puff puff balls with Cinnamon and African nutmeg sugar.
And from time to time, you'll see her at Levy Market cooking up a perfect storm of African cuisine.
Another great takeaway to try this Veganuary is Waka Waka.
After the success of their mock squid and mock chicken, this Chinese noodle bar quickly learned how to make Levy's plant-based contingent happy - and rolled out a vegan version of everything on their menu.
Mock duck, chicken, beef, squid, jackfruit, tofu - Waka Waka has it all (except, perhaps, a card machine - it's cash only). And all of their sauces are vegan by default.
If you already hit up this little takeaway on the regular, why not swap out the meat for the mock? It's tasty, promise.
Himalayas is an Indian restaurant and takeaway on Stockport Road, and probably has one of the largest menus we've ever laid eyes on.
A large chunk of it is vegetarian and vegan friendly, too. And the staff are always happy to adjust things to your dietary - and spice level - preferences.
At home, or in-person, Himalayas never disappoints.
While vegan cheese probably isn't the most traditional, authentic take on Italian pizza. We guarantee you won't find a better vegan pizza in Manchester.
Since opening their own restaurant at the old M19 Bar site, Levy Market stalwarts Cibus have expanded their menu to include more veggie and vegan options than ever.
From vegan pizza, to pasta dishes and their butternut squash panino - Cibus could carry you right through Veganuary and into Veguary, if you aren't careful.
Oh, and doughnuts. Get the doughnuts.
Unfortunately, it'd be impossible every place worth checking out in Levenshulme this Veganuary. And there's some great places on the fringes of Levy too, like Feed General Store or Rack.
Well, not strictly impossible. Just not ideal. Because I'd spend all my time writing, instead of eating vegan pizza and mock duck teriyaki udon.
So I'll leave you with a link to our full list of places with vegan options in Levenshulme.
And I'll mention some our other favourites here:
Happy Veganuary! 🌿
Need a pizza oven in a pinch? Or a drill for a day?
Well, we can't promise that your homemade, wood-fired sourdough will be quite as good as Cibus'. But at least now you can give it a go.
Levy's new Manchester Library of Things (MCRLoT) will be filled with essentials and those twice-a-year items that are useful to have, but a pain to buy.
Apart from the fact that the full collection of The Famous Five might refer to an allen key set, the Library of Things will work just like any other library.
Borrow what you need. Use it. Return it.
Levy's new library is hoping to be based outside Levenshulme Old Library. Which is pretty poetic.
Well placed, just off the A6, Levy Old Library is easy to get to on bike and bus. There's dedicated bicycle storage outside, and I've seen stranger things on the 192 than a carpet cleaner.
MCRLoT is due to open to the public in Summer 2022.
At the moment, the team behind it are busy fundraising and making sure the library can best support the local community.
As we find out more, and get closer to its opening. We'll keep this article up-to-date so you know exactly when it opens. And if you're there on day one, you can use this article to double-check your return date, too.
Maria Houlihan is the lead co-ordinator of the project, and set up her small team after coming up with the idea.
Her team includes people that helped to set up and run Levenshulme Market, as well as Levenshulme Inspire.
"I'd been thinking about a sharing library of sorts for ages - since buying a house and doing it up and needing lots of tools we didn’t have" Maria told us.
"When I found out that 'Libraries of Things' exist across the UK I was really inspired to set one up in Levy. Not only because of the benefit to the purse but because it makes so much sense environmentally - if we can all share a really decent "thing" then there's no need for us all to go and buy a cheapo version that will end up in a landfill in a matter of year if not months!"
"The overwhelming response was that people thought it was a great idea. And can’t happen soon enough!"
We also asked Maria what she'd most like to borrow - personally - from her own library:
"Well , it would have been a pizza oven until my youngest tipped hot chocolate all over the sofa the other day."
"So now it's a steam cleaner."
Maria and her team behind the library are running a number of events to find out what people might need to borrow. Keep an eye out for the next one on the Manchester Library of Things website.
They're also asking people to complete a survey.
That way, they can make sure they always have whatever you need in stock, ready to borrow at no-notice.
With the opening of yet another Community Interest Company (CIC), Levenshulme continues to demonstrate a strong sense of community - and one that always looks out for its neighbour.
Councillor Dzidra Noor said "Manchester Library of Things will help, not only our bank balances, but also sustainability."
"It gives the community the chance to utilise those occasional use things that we often need but cannot justify the cost of purchase and is kinder to the environment as less appliances are made and gathering dust on our shelves when not in use."
Levy Old Library already hosts life drawing, Levy Little Theatre, yoga, parent and child classes and more. And soon, you'll be able to add Manchester's Library of Things to that list.
So, what's first on your borrow-list?
Don't tell us. Tell MCRLoT.
As we write this, we only have 49 listings on Lev You Lots.
"Only" is an interesting word. Because 49 is a lot. But at the same time, 49 places, events, makers, artists and groups barely scratches the surface of what Levy has to offer.
We have a lot more work to do. And on top of adding more places, we always need to make sure we're keeping things up-to-date enough that we're not sending people to places that aren't open yet - or sending them to the wrong place altogether.
That is a lot of work.
Creating a listing from scratch takes about an hour. And that's before you count any of the time spent designing, building the website.
From now on, we'll have two types of listing...
Currently, most listings on our website is a basic listing. And basic listings are free.
It covers all the key information, like:
We're introducing professional listings for people that want to get more out of Lev You Lots.
We can help raise your online profile, with:
Professional listings help you tell the story of your business or event. And they help people make a decision when they're looking for places to eat or things to do.
And they help us keep Lev You Lots running, and a useful tool for all the community.
To give you an idea of what we can do with a professional listing, here's The Gherkin's.
Professional listings can look slightly different, depending on whether it's an event or place. And you can pick and choose the bits you do or don't want.
In the interest of transparency, The Gherkin hasn't paid us for the listing. But we're working with them as a trial, to help us understand what business owners might want from their own.
To help you understand what makes up a listing, we've created a tool that breaks down all of the contents of a basic listing.
You can see how a listing is broken up, and the information that we need to gather to create one.
You can also see most (but not all!) all of the features available in a professional listing, to help you make a choice right for you and your business.
We're introducing professional listings at £99 per year, per place. Or £99 for a one-off event.
Recurring events that happen at the same time every week, month or year will be treated like a place and charged each year.
This might go up. And we'll let you know in good time if it does. To check the price is fair, we're keeping an eye on a few things:
If you're interesting in upgrading to a shiny new professional listing, send us a message.
We'll reach out and set up a consultation. We'll work with you to understand what you're looking to get out of it, and make sure that you're happy with the result.
Oh, Christmas. It almost feels like you never really left us. What was 2021?
The past couple of years have been hard on all of us, and harder on local shops, creators and artists than most.
As big business sells us dreams of same day delivery, huge sales and Metrolink stations on the moon some time this century, the bliss of completing your Christmas shopping in a few clicks can seem pretty tempting.
But hang fire. Just for a moment.
We're here to tell you to shop local this year.
And to help, we've compiled a list of low-impact gift ideas from Levenshulme shops and off-the-high-street makers that really do deserve your support this Christmas.
From hand-tied bouquets, to organic natural wines and handmade, low-impact jewellery - you can nail Christmas this year without leaving Levy. Promise 🤝
You might want to grab a mince pie for this...
I mean, where else could we start? Organic, natural wines with so many to choose from that they need a ladder to reach the top shelf. Pop into Isca and build your own luxury hamper of loveliness. Or just choose one from their online Christmas shop.
You are guaranteed to make someone's Christmas. But we're not taking responsibility for Boxing Day.
That was a lot of Fs.
It's hard to go wrong with flowers. But I'm pretty sure it's impossible to go wrong with these.
Florence in Flowers delivers bespoke bouquets and often sells flowers at various Manchester markets. Occasionally, Long Boi's Bakehouse stock her work - but they never stick around for long.
Make you sure you check her website and socials to get any orders in time for Christmas!
We love a gift that is somehow low and high impact at the same time. Helen Godley crafts jewellery that is both kind on the planet and recipients, like this recycled cotton macrame necklace.
Helen's also a graphic designer, and has designed a gorgeous 2022 calendar.
You can order directly from her website, or track her down at a local market.
From pendants to soap dishes, coasters and plant pots, PumpkinAndPeas makes it all. I'd buy more coasters, but then I'd need to buy more nice mugs... it's the eternal struggle.
You can snap them up on Etsy, or find her at local markets on the run-in to Christmas.
What was life before I had Mama Z's banana ketchup for the first time? I never want to go back to that dark place.
Mama Z is on her mission to bring Filipino food to Manchester. And Manchester thanks her for it. Aside from pop-up food, Mama Z makes and sells incredible sauces on her website. And sometimes, you can pick up a bottle or two at Village Stores.
If you know someone that needs a little spice in their life, why not treat them to a small collection of sauces or a hamper of Filipino food gifts and cupboard staples?
Okay, this might not be one for the monochrome lovers out there.
But Jive Prints design and sell incredible, vibrant cards, art prints and stationary at local markets and on their Etsy shop.
So whether it's a gift or a card you're after - anything designed by Aimee and Hollie is guaranteed to leave an impression 💅
If you didn't already know that we have one of Manchester's best garden centres right here in Burnage, then where have you been?!
Bud Garden Centre is a small plant-haven that packs a punch. You'll be amazed by the range of plants, flowers, climbers and roses available. And anything that isn't there, Bud can probably get (probably not in time for Christmas, though).
If you're not after gifts of the growing kind, then Bud also stocks pretty pots, ornaments and decorations too.
Most of their plants are peat free and sourced from local nurseries. So you can shop knowing that you're helping to preserve the UK's peatlands and keeping your carbon footprint to a minimium.
A conscious Christmas is a Christmas we can get behind 🌱
If sustainable fashion is more your tempo, look no further than Flood Clothing Co.
Printed right here in their Manchester studio with certified vegan and sustainable inks, Flood design and make ethical, unisex garments for the fashion and environmental minimalists out there.
Their beanies are made from organic cotton right here in the UK, too.
While some might not want to be reminded about lockdown life, there's a beauty to this collection of portraits by Ciara Leeming.
After a successful kickstarter campaign, Ciara's book went to print - freezing Levenshulme in time. Levy Lockdown Portraits captures life through-the-glass, and offers a window into the lives of more than 250 households.
If things are getting a little too saucy, look away now 🥵
But Levenshulme market stalwart DevilDog Sauces have released a limited run of their 'Fruits of Levy' hot sauce, jam-packed with plum, apple and blackberry notes.
Get it now, while it's hot. Available to buy at Levy Market.
Speaking of hot...
Last Ember's soy wax candles are filled to the brim with natural oils and scents, perfect for unwinding on the sofa after a long day spent shopping. Or what about a cheeky candlelit soak in the tub? Decadent.
To be honest, I realised half way through that sentence that I'd already stopped thinking about these as a gift for anybody else. But now I'm owning it. #selfcare.
You can buy them from their online shop or try and catch them at a local market.
So, you left it a little late. Or still have a few last gifts to get. You're in luck (as long as you're reading this before 17 December, anyway).
The last Levenshulme Market of the year is usually a cut above. It's Christmas. It's a Friday night. There's music, drinks and dancing.
But in the midst of that perfect storm, there'll be local creators aplenty - perfect for getting you across the finishing line.
And if you're already done with Christmas shopping. Why not get yourself a little something? You deserve it for absolutely smashing December.
There you have it: our guide to Christmas shopping in Levenshulme. I'd like to say it's complete. But there's still loads of places well worth a nosey in M19, as well as artists that sell their work at markets, fairs and online.
We'll keeping adding them below. And if you know of some that we should shout about, tell us over in our Facebook group.
As the nights draw in, ever darker, one corner of Manchester always finds a way to lighten the mood.
Since 2017, Levenshulme locals and businesses have been designing and crafting unique displays for everyone to enjoy - from twilight forests to nativity scenes and more.
Last year, over 130 windows lit up across Levy and gave everyone a little something to smile about.
This year is no different. And even though the snow has melted (for now), the locals will make sure there's plenty of festive cheer to go around.
So if you're looking for a reason to leave the warmth and comfort of winter hiberation, print off the official map and take a journey along the trail of beautiful, fun and sometimes quirkily decorated festive windows that make up Levenshulme Community Christmas Windows.
If that wasn't tempting enough, here's a little showcase of some of our favourites.
All the lights formally 'switch-on' at 5:30pm on 1 December 2021, and will be on from the same time, every evening, until Christmas Eve.
From the 30 November, you can download and print the official map.
From there, it's entirely up to you. Try and see as many as you can in one night, or map out smaller routes and see a few every night until Christmas. You might even take a pit stop at Isca for a mulled wine to keep those cold nights at bay 🍷
Even if you missed the official switch-on, you can still get your window added to the map using the contact form on the Levenshulme Community Christmas Windows website.
After their roaring success above Fred's Ale House, Levenshulme's pizza royalty, Cibus, have opened their own intimate spot on Stockport Road.
But as one partnership ends, the opportunity of another arises: for someone to follow in Cibus' footsteps and cook up a storm above the popular real ale house.
Fred's Ale House is on the lookout for a new tenant to feed the masses and rent their upstairs space on Stockport Road.
There's already a fully fitted kitchen, two dinings room to fill and a roof terrace. So if you're dreaming of opening your own place, Fred's might just be the perfect place to start.
Perfectly placed, Fred's Ale House is on one of Stockport Road's busiest stretches, close to Levenshulme train station and right opposite the market.
And if you are a first timer in need of the occasional spot of advice, Fred's graduants Cibus are only two doors down - and they're usually pretty lovely to chat to.
In recent years, Levenshulme continues to go from strength to strength.
With the opening of Long Boi's, OverDraught, JJ's Vish and Chips and Cibus in the past couple of years alone, this little part of South Manchester is proving to be a food and drink destination in its own right.
And with Levy Market, Fred's Ale House and other local stalwarts lending a hand to budding entrepreneurs, it's not showing any signs of slowing.
With an already established bar, market and arts scene, a growing number of dine-in restaurants must surely be next?
If you plus Fred's sounds like a match, why not get in touch and ask about becoming the new best thing about Levenshulme?
You can enquire about the space by emailing Fred's Ale House.
If you're reading this then, Hi. You're early - but we're happy you're here.
As I write this, I'm still tinkering away, writing guides to all of my favourite places to eat, drink, browse and peruse here in Levenshulme.
At the same time, I'm exploring new and beautiful ways to showcase all that we have to offer, from the chilled bar scenes of Nordie and Station Hop, to local favourites Cibus Pizza and - how could I forget - the one and only Levenshulme Market.
The idea behind Lev You Lots is that it's sort of like a friend showing you around Levenshulme for the very first time. They know where everything is, who to talk to and what events are coming up in the area.
We can recommend places to eat and drink in Levenshulme. We can tell you about local arts shows and makers fairs. Or we can help you find a service that you might need in a pinch.
If you want to know more, here's why this site exists.
We're not really one to make a big entrance. There's a lot of things in Levenshulme, and we need a lot of time to get the site up and running. And that doesn't even start to cover adding all the places, services and people that make it such a wonderful community.
So if you're here, consider us launched 🚀
Over the next few weeks, we'll be mainly working on adding more businesses, events and services. If you spot a mistake, or have a suggestion to add something, please get in touch.
We're still working on getting all of our pages set up. In the meantime, you can join our group on Facebook.
You can share ideas, news or discuss anything Levenshulme. And we'll share updates as we work away behind the scenes on making this just another place worth visiting.
