A community-centred independent coffee spot in Salford has started a unique ‘pay with a post it’ scheme in the wake of economic struggles as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The Coffee Collective in Monton, Eccles introduced the brand new pay-it-forward scheme last week for locals to take advantage of if they’re struggling financially.
It truly is a tiny slice of kindness at a time when the world needs it the most.
The retro coffee truck – which can can be found parked up on Dukes Drive in Monton – is now allowing customers to purchase an extra drink during their visit, which will then be paid forward to a customer who needs it the most via its brand new post-it pinboard.
Announcing the scheme on social media, The Coffee Collective acknowledged that “we have all been hit hard by COVID-19” and is therefore “giving you the chance to enjoy our Delicious Specialty Coffee for FREE if you are struggling.”
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It’s asking customers to “spread some love with a free brew for a stranger”.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CGZTVUUh1_f/
The Coffee Collective has teamed up with local food initiatives Let’s Eat Local and Manchester City Centre Food Reviews for the scheme.
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To kick off the scheme, Let’s Eat Local paid for the first ten post-it notes, with customers then able to continue the momentum whenever they wish to, and it’s not just about paying it forward, either, as those who are having a rough time are encouraged to take a post-it if they’re need to.
The Coffee Collective urged those struggling to “not feel ashamed or embarrassed to use these post-it notes” as “the community have come together to support you”.
The Coffee Collective
“If you have woke up and just about managed to do a walk today, give yourself a treat and have a brew bought from a stranger.”
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“If you are struggling to find the cash to pay for your coffee have a free one.”
How brilliant is this?
Manchester’s community spirit has really shone through over these past few months of lockdown and with genuine community-driven initiatives such as this one, it really makes you proud to be a part of a city and region with such heart.
The Coffee Collective is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 7.30am – 3pm on Friday and Saturdays, and until 1.30pm on Sundays, and you can find it at Dukes Drive Car Park, Monton, Eccles, M30 8AP.
Be sure to pay it forward on your next visit if you can, or pick yourself up a free coffee instead.
Family behind Salvi’s launch new concept, weeks after iconic restaurant closure
Daisy Jackson
Just weeks after the closure of its iconic, 16-year-old Italian restaurant in the Corn Exchange, the family behind Salvi’s have revealed a brand-new concept.
And this time, the reins are being handed over to the next generation.
Salvi’s founder Maurizio Cecco has helped to shape Amò, but it’s all the brainchild of his daughter, Sienna.
Sienna will run the business out of a unit up on Deansgate Mews, serving fresh pasta dishes, pizza sandwiches, tubs of tiramisu, and two-for-£10 spritzes.
The deli aspect of the original Salvi’s has been carried over to Amò too – you’ll find shelves almost to the ceiling filled with Italian pasta, wine, olive oils, pistachio spreads, and more.
Sienna has grown up in restaurants, with her parents launching Salvi’s when she was just two years old.
She said she wants the space to be a livelier, fresher version of the Italian restaurant that has been so loved by Mancs for so many years.
Sienna outside AmòFresh pasta dishesInside Amò by Salvi’sTheir viral frozen crema di caffeLemon granitaInside Amò by Salvi’sTiramisu pots
Amò, which is Neapolitan slang for ‘my love’, will have loads of fresh Italian dishes, including arancini, gnocchi, and hearty pasta plates.
At lunchtimes, guests can order from a £10 lunch menu, with dishes changing daily depending on the best produce the kitchen can get – it could be a pizza sandwich with proscuitto and tomato, a spicy pasta, or a gnocchi bake, always served with your choice of soft drink.
With its position on Deansgate Mews, Amò basks in the sunshine at lunchtimes.
And while it’s definitely a different concept to the original Salvi’s, Amò looks set to carry the family’s Italian food legacy into its next generation.
Award-winning Didsbury bakery La Chouquette reveals incredible new site
Daisy Jackson
La Chouquette is one of Greater Manchester’s top bakeries – an award-winner, with queues down the street every weekend for its authentic French pastries and loaves.
And now they’re ready for a new chapter, revealing a major expansion today.
Owners Catrina and Flo have painstakingly expanded the bakery into the unit next door, creating what feels like a true French bakery.
And in the midst of this huge renovation project, they’ve welcomed a tiny new baby boy – quite the summer for the couple.
Catrina and Flo launched La Chouquette in lockdown, and in a time where people could only get their hospitality fix from takeaways, immediately became one of the most popular spots in the region.
Their success has been so great, you’ll still consistently find queues down the street every weekend, for their top sellers like their authentic almond croissants.
Then in October 2024, they grew the business and launched Piqniq, a new deli in Didsbury village, serving freshly-baked baguette sandwiches, breakfast butties, toasties, tiramisu pots and their legendary pastries.
The new-look La Chouquette features beautiful details like mosaic floors, rich blue walls, wooden shelves, and brass light fixtures.
La Chouquette’s best-selling almond croissantsInside the stunning new La Chouquette in DidbsuryNew savoury bakesThe chausson aux pommesThe counter stuffed with artisan French bakesChocolate chip cookies and cinnamon buns
The huge new counter displays more pastries and breads than ever before, like a hearty chausson aux pommes filled with apples that will be perfect for autumn, plus seasonal treats like a rhubarb creme brulee pastry, and homemade quiche.
Speaking at the grand relaunch today, Catrina said: “The layout has changed, it looks so much more chic, it looks like a traditional French bakery. We’re really excited about it.”
As for what’s on the counter, Flo reassured fans that their beloved almond and pistachio croissants remain, but with some new savoury editions, like a truffle croque monsieur made with croissant dough.
La Choquette has reopened today, and will be open seven days a week from 7am until 5pm.
Emily Sergeant -
20th October 2020 
