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.”
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.”
ADVERTISEMENT
“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.
Manchester’s first banana pudding bar has opened in the city centre
Clementine Hall
Make sure to save room for pudding…because one of the city’s most-talked about dessert brands has found a new home.
Buttercup launched last summer, creating little pots of the hit US dessert made famous by the iconic Magnolia Bakery.
Each dessert features vanilla custard whipped with cream, soft sponge, and fresh banana, which you can then customise with rotating flavours and toppings.
And after a brief disappearance from the Manchester foodie scene, Buttercup is back with a bang with their beautiful new home on Deansgate.
Images: The Manc Group
And when we say beautiful, we really mean it.
Glossy burgundy tiles, butter yellow walls and sleek chrome furniture make up the space beneath the huge arched window, and there’s even a few seats for you to enjoy your pud and watch the world go by.
Open daily from 10am til 10pm, the menu includes three puddings on rotation ready to scoop.
Images: The Manc Group
Choose from the classic banana, indulgent tiramisu and an ever-changing seasonal special, alongside a wall of toppings for you to customise your own pud.
Each recipe has been perfected in-house and the proof really is in the banana pudding…because it tastes just as good as it looks.
Since launching, Buttercup has served around 50,000 puddings, hosted sell-out pop-ups across the city, collaborated with some huge brands, and built a loyal following around its signature build-your-own pudding bar.
Image: The Manc Group
With this new standalone space, you’ll of course be able to indulge in its signature banana pudding, as well as breakfast yoghurt bowls, coffee and matcha.
Officially opening tomorrow Saturday 26 September, the first 50 customers will get a free topping and sauce with the purchase of any pudding, plus a free lip gloss from Manchester-born beauty brand REFY.
‘Remember to support genuine independents’ – Manchester’s rotisserie chicken bistro Tartuffe announces closure
Emily Sergeant
Rotisserie chicken bistro Tartuffe has called final orders on its time at popular city centre hangout, Side Street.
Serving some of the best rotisserie chicken in Manchester – ‘sexy chicken’, if you will – Tartuffe first landed at Side Street inside the ABC Building back in the later summer of 2024, and quickly became known and loved by critics and customers alike for not just their rotisserie options, but also their stylish bar snacks and standout sides.
But despite being a roaring success these past two years, Tartuffe took to social media this week to announce the end of the ‘longest pop-up ever’, with its final service being tomorrow (25 September).
Tartuffe will be leaving Side Street this Friday / Credit: The Manc Group
Announcing its closure on Instagram, Tartuffe wrote: “That’s right, our time at Side Street has come to an end and our final service here is this Friday.
“It’s been an incredible two and a half years cooking for the wonderful people of Manchester and we’re hugely thankful to everyone who’s been to see us whilst we’ve been here.
“Another big thanks to the staff at Side Street who we’ve loved working with. We’ve made some great friends and worked with some absolutely brilliant people.
Emily Sergeant -
20th October 2020 
