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.
The amazing new doughnut shop that’s opened in a churchyard in Wigan
Daisy Jackson
A brand-new doughnut hatch has landed in Wigan, serving fresh bakes and speciality coffee from inside a beautiful local churchyard.
This is Holy Grounds, the latest independent spot bringing together freshly made doughnuts, excellent coffee and a spectacular setting, right beside the Wigan Parish Church.
The Lancashire-born business expanded to Wigan just three weeks ago, and it’s already proving hugely popular with the locals.
As we’re seeing all over Wigan these days, Holy Grounds have taken on a beautiful characterful space and turned it into a great new independent hangout.
The doughnut hatch is connected to the church itself, with the room believed to have once been an old school space. Today, it’s been given a very different purpose, with the smell of freshly baked doughnuts and coffee filling the building.
And you can still get a very real reminder that you’re sitting inside a church – the bells ring twice a day.
Holy Grounds was set up by Sam, who was previously a vicar, alongside his partner Hannah.
They and their team are making doughnuts fresh every day, using a 48-hour proving process, before transforming them into a monthly-rotating selection of flavours.
This month’s specials at Holy GroundsThe selection of Holy Grounds doughnuts in WiganA peach and almond doughnut, and an OGHoly Grounds stands in the churchyard of Wigan Parish ChurchFreshly-made doughnuts and coffee in Wigan
This month’s flavours include The OG, peach and almond, chocolate cornflakes, and blackberry and white chocolate.
Holy Grounds serves speciality coffee from Clifton Coffee Roasters in Bristol, making the doughnut-and-coffee combination feel less like a quick sugar hit and more like a proper little ritual.
A beautiful old building, fresh doughnuts, excellent coffee and church bells ringing overhead?
We’re not saying we’ve found heaven, but we’re definitely getting closer.
Huge Manchester street food event postponed amid severe weather
Daisy Jackson
A big food festival that was set to take place in Manchester this weekend has been postponed due to the severe storm warning.
GRUB at The Club, which is set to celebrate 11 years of the street food heavyweights, was meant to be taking place at Fairfield Social club this weekend.
The brilliant GRUB team had planned two nights of great food and DJs to celebrate their birthday, with free birthday cake for the first 50 people through the door on Friday night.
But as Manchester is battered by basically more rain than we’ve seen all summer, organisers have made the decision to postpone the event for now.
Remember when it felt like Manchester would always be sunny, dry and warm? Those days are over, my friend.
There’s a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms today, then a forecast that features a bit more rain than we’d like for a bank holiday.
GRUB have said that this severe storm forecast has made it ‘impossible’ for the event to go ahead as planned, as they prioritise the safety and enjoyment of everyone on site.
They’ve said that the event will be rearranged to take place in September, with the exact date announced very soon.
GRUB posted: “Due to the severe storm forecast this week we’ve made the difficult decision to postpone the event. The safety and enjoyment of our guests, traders and team always comes first and this weekend’s weather makes it impossible for us to go ahead as planned.
“We’re gutted. This one meant a lot to us and we know it did to you too. But GRUB At The Club is not cancelled! It’s coming back in September and we cannot wait to do this properly. Keep your eyes peeled for the new date announcement coming very soon
“The launch of FSC’s brand new pizza menu is also being pushed back. But not for long! That one’s coming very soon and trust us, it’ll be worth the wait.
“Thank you for your understanding and sorry for any inconvenience caused. We’ll see you soon.”
Keep an eye on GRUB’s Instagram for the rescheduled dates.
Emily Sergeant -
20th October 2020 
