This fashionable suburb with its leafy roads is an ideal place to shop, dine, drink and relax...
Cool and quirky are terms often associated with vibrant suburb Chorlton-cum-Hardy, where just a single wander down the high street will leave you feeling as though you’ve hit the jackpot with independent businesses.
Its relaxed vibe and quirky independent feel offers a lovely home (although quite pricey) for those who don’t fancy the full Manchester lifestyle, but who don’t want to be too far away – hop on a tram and you can travel between the two within about 15 minutes.
The leafy Beech Road is a hit for shoppers and diners who enjoy trendy bars and restaurants, and every third Saturday of the month you’re in for a treat with the Chorlton makers’ market. You’ll certainly never have a sleepy Saturday here...especially if you have a love for all things authentic.
Local favourite The Beagle is all about the quirky, retro-vibe, dishing up New York-style pizza, seasonal beers and natural wines. The Creameries offers a relaxed vibe for simple, sustainable food and drink, while Brewski Bar dubs itself the home of North American comfort food and craft beer – and one of its New Year resolutions is to open the UK’s best pizza place.
If cocktails and carbs are your thing, head to The Laundrette, or The Font is your go-to for craft beers and cocktails with a side of locally sourced home-cooked food. Famous for its Sunday roast is The Chorlton Tap, and Double Zero is the place for handmade Neapolitan pizza.
Barbakan Delicatessen bakes its breads, cakes and patisseries through the night so they are fresh and hot every morning, or if you stop by later in the day, why not try a cup of their homemade soup or a hot ciabatta sizzler?
Tea Hive is a lovely spot for loose leaf teas, artisan coffee and cake.
Chorlton Cheesemongers promises the best farmhouse and artisan cheeses, and twice-named Best Food Retailer Unicorn Grocery focuses on organic, fair-trade and local produce.
Cocoa Tree Chocolates is a family-run business that runs on the motto: “our inspiration is you and our tool is chocolate”. Feast on handmade truffles made only with the finest natural ingredients and infused with a whole lot of heart, and enjoy some great quality coffee or Belgian-chocolate infused drinks. After all, their hot chocolate is to die for.
If you want an outfit where people stop and ask you where it’s from, head to McQueen Independent. Their brilliant advice is to use your wardrobe to make you feel good.
Lovely little female fashion boutique Trouble At Mill is worth a visit for up-and-coming British micro-labels or a bespoke number, while independent gift shop Hurricane sells the prettiest of products for you and the home.
The pink shop on the corner, No.68, is an Aladdin’s cave of cards, gifts, jewellery and homeware, while next door, Franny & Filer sell handmade jewellery from emerging designers.
Chorlton Art Market supports more than 50 local artists and craftspeople, and the Creative Recycling Gallery creates contemporary art from discarded waste materials.
Chorlton has a number of surprisingly beautiful areas to explore with your four-legged friends – or to head out on the bikes. The peaceful Chorlton Water Park is great for a lazy stroll through woodland or around the lake (where you may catch sight of kingfishers and herons), or why not wander canalside along the River Mersey from one of the park’s many entry points.
Or you could explore the mix of woodland, wetland and meadows at the close by Chorlton Ees Nature Reserve from dawn to dusk, with a variety of different trails.
When it comes to where to live, Eddie Ellis, owner of JP and Brimelow, says: “Chorlton is a property hotspot lying at the very heart of Manchester’s most fashionable suburb, a village community amongst leafy roads with all of the local amenities you could wish for in close proximity to Manchester city centre.
“My office is situated in the centre of Chorlton village, sandwiched between High Lane and Wilbraham Road. A short stroll from nearby Beech Road, where there is an abundance of lively bars, restaurants, artisan shops and independents to choose from. Once you’ve walked down Beech Road and arrived at Chorlton Green, you instantly feel like you’ve left the city far behind.
“Chorlton Green also has fantastic access to the countryside as well as urban parks. Meandering through the tree-lined paths of Chorlton Ees Nature Reserve you’ll discover meadows and lakes perfect for dog-walking or running along the river Mersey.
“From here you can link up to a network of off-road cycling paths that take you across the city and into Cheshire. Chorlton is a place like no other.”
