After an incredibly long few months of clothing shops being closed, Manchester’s high street will finally reopen on April 12.
I’m sure many people are already geared up for their first post-lockdown shopping trip, whether it’s a visit to The Trafford Centre or stocking up on Primark’s latest offerings.
But there is much more to Manchester’s shopping scene than these big-name brands – the city is filled with hidden gems that will also be welcoming back customers on Monday.
If you’re looking to shop somewhere new while supporting local businesses, we’ve got just the list for you.
Here are some of our favourite independent clothing boutiques in Greater Manchester that you’ll be able to visit from April 12.
McQueen Independent has been a staple of Manchester’s high street since 1994, offering a variety of colourful and creative garments with a personal touch.
Owners have curated a collection of lesser-known labels to build a lasting wardrobe for customers, plus these stylish pieces are also sustainable.
If you’re sick and tired of your existing wardrobe, this secondhand clothing hotspot will be your go-to location for discovering some fresh new pieces.
Lief operates a swap shop to find new homes for your old clothes, as well as selling many quirky and artistic pieces from independent makers.
Newly launched in February 2021, Mockingbirds is Withington’s trendiest boutique catering to all tastes, styles and needs.
This is a clothing store that isn’t afraid to step out of the ‘comfort zone’ with bold colours and designs – and it appears like there’s something here for everyone.
There’s no better place to embrace the iconic Mancunian street style than with this boutique, which offers premium hand-picked vintage and modern clothing.
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Bionic Seven covers all of menswear musts – from authentic Levis to Burberry and everything in between.
Established in 1995, Abayas is the pioneer of stylish Islamic and modest clothing.
The brand has its finger right on the pulse of what’s trendy, showing that “conformity to Islamic guidelines need not compromise on elegance and style.”
This glamorous and girly boutique isn’t afraid to push the boat out with adventurous but still incredibly on-trend pieces.
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Whether you’re looking to make a statement in a faux leather coat or embrace your inner 70s with a fringed jacket, Eternal Envy will be your one-stop-shop for any spring wardrobe essentials.
If you’re not afraid to have some fun with your fashion, this quirky and retro boutique is for you.
The store has become a staple of the Northern Quarter with energetic and vintage-inspired pieces, offering everything from pastel rainbow crochet shackets to cat print midi dresses.
Unknown Mortal Orchestra announce Manchester gig among just a handful of UK dates on European tour
Danny Jones
One of our favourite live acts we’ve ever seen is coming back to Manchester as Unknown Mortal Orchestra are set for a stunning return to the city – and at one of our most beloved venues, no less.
The New Zealand psychedelia-infused rock and indie outfit may not be on everyone’s radar just yet, but the genre-bending outfit is comfortably up there with some of the best we’ve ever had the privilege of seeing in the flesh.
Currently based in Portland, Oregon, in the States, Unknown Mortal Orchestra (UMO) is fronted by multi-instrumentalist and visionary experimentalist producer, Ruban Nielson, who first began the project on his own over a decade and a half ago.
Closer to a three-piece these days, you won’t find many bands that boast a collection of such varied and talented musicians, and they’re heading to Albert Hall.
As detailed by Albert Hall themselves, this show is also just one among a very small handful of dates here in the UK as part of their run of shows across Europe.
Other shows include one on the night following their Manchester gig over in Yorkshire, which our friends at The Sheff will no doubt be buzzing about, as well as on opening night at Barrowland in Glasgow ahead of a four-show residency in London.
Dubbing their work as nothing short of “psychedelic mastery” (we couldn’t agree more), the iconic live music space will be welcoming them early next year after landing on the mainland continent.
Other stops on the 2026 Unknown Mortal Orchestra European tour include Lithuania, Latvia and Poland; Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Holland, Belgium and Paris.
Now consisting of Nielsen, bassist Jacob Portait, and often Ruban’s brother as well as fellow singer-songwriter, musician and engineer, Kody Neilson – also known for his work with The Mint Chicks, Opossom, Silicone and more – all of whom are as talented in the studio as they are on stage.
They also happen to have one of our favourite Tiny Desks of all time.
Sorry, but this HAS to be up in there in the top 10.
The London residency already looks to be in high demand, so you can bet their only date here in Manchester and at a venue like Albert Hall will sell out extremely fast.
As well as an entirely instrumental outing earlier this year, UMO also dropped their latest EP entitled CURSE back in June, and it’s fair to say it’s some of the most ‘out-there’ material to date.
If you haven’t listened to it yet and are just expecting more art-poppy indie bops like ‘Hunnybee’, you couldn’t be more wrong…
Unknown Mortal Orchestra play the Albert Hall in Manchester on Friday, 27 March, and you can get ready to grab your tickets right HERE.
Kore Studios – A new reformer pilates studio with a smoothie and acai bar has opened in Manchester
Daisy Jackson
A brand-new reformer pilates studio has opened in Manchester, with its own on-site acai bowl and smoothie bar.
Kore Studios is a new wellness destination for the city, just off the busy drag of Deansgate.
It’s a design-led, calming space, all neutral natural textures and soft lighting, with 12 premium reformer beds in the studio and a full health bar in the front.
On the menu here you’ll find a menu of nutritious smoothies, juices, acai bowls and matchas, including beautiful dupes of the viral Erewhon smoothies.
Highlights from the Kore Studios acai menu include the Amazon Classic with banana, strawberries, granola and coconut, and the Power Bowl with peanut butter, banana, chia seeds and almond butter.
There are also tropical acai bowls, and some piled with a dollop of Nutella for more of a treat.
As for the smoothies, expect drinks like the Avocado Matcha Magic, a Tropical Sunshine, and a Green Glow Detox, plus a selection of flavoured matchas.
Erewhon dupe smoothies at Kore StudiosKore Studios – A new reformer pilates studio with a smoothie and acai bar has opened in ManchesterA selection of acai bowlsInside the Kore Studios smoothie and acai barThere are 12 reformer pilates bedsThe beautiful changing rooms at Kore Studios
The fitness studio itself at Kore Studios brings another reformer pilates spot to Manchester, with top-quality equipment stashed within reaching distance of every bed (no awkward queueing to grab a set of hand weights).
The team have gathered some of the city’s top instructors together for a best-in-class schedule of reformer pilates sessions, as well as mat pilates and barre classes, with something to suit all abilities.
Kore Studios is open now at 31-33 King Street West in Manchester city centre.
Memberships start at £80 per month with a special £10 introductory offer class aimed at first-timers.
Daisy Bradbury -
9th April 2021 
