The Flâneuse and The City #8

What's going on in Manchester this October - what to do, where to shop, eat, drink and much more!

Oct 16, 2024

October is our favourite month of the year, a time when we fully embrace the beauty of autumn and all it brings. We love autumnal walks, getting creative with crafts, layering up in cosy clothes, guilt-free TV binges, and warm pubs. But most of all, we love that it marks the beginning of Sunday roast season! It's another gorgeous month, filled with wonderful things to enjoy. Here's to romanticising the season ahead—because isn't that the only way through it?

Girls Want Workshops

Candle Making with Cedar Apothecary

We were so excited to attend Cedar’s candle-making workshop at Form Lifestyle Store last weekend, and we can’t express enough how lovely and wholesome the experience was. Lizzy, the owner of Cedar Apothecary, is a warm and welcoming host, with a wealth of expertise in her craft. She guides you through the entire process, and before you know it, you've chosen your essential oils and fragrances to blend into your own personalised candle scent.

The workshop lasts about two hours—plenty of time to chat, sip on a cup of tea (or prosecco), and take your time creating. By the end, you’ll leave with a beautifully handmade candle to take home. We highly recommend Lizzy’s workshop. It’s not only the perfect way to spend a Saturday, but being in Form means you can also browse and do a bit of shopping afterwards.

Whether you go solo, with friends, or as part of a hen do, there’s no better time than autumn to make your own candle—perfect for those cosy nights in.

Lizzy has very kindly given our subscribers 15% off one of her workshops, use code FLANEUSE - Book here

Here are a few other workshops we’ve got our eye on for the upcoming season…

Autumn Flower Workshop with Sweet Bud Florals - 18th October
Bottle Bag Workshop with NOTS - 23rd October
GOTG Pumpkin Painting Workshop - 23rd October
Make your own Ramen Bowl Workshop with ClayLife - 20th October
Paint and Sip with The Creation Station at Reserve Wines - 17th October

What We’re Shopping

We recently bought a vintage leather blazer, and for the two mild days we had, it was a great love affair. But then, out of nowhere, the cold hit, and we were suddenly in full coat territory. As usual, this time of year really gets our shopping senses tingling, and we find ourselves wanting an entirely new wardrobe. But we know that’s not great for our bank account—or the planet—so we’ve made an effort to be more conscious this season. We recently did a big closet clear-out, donating clothes to charity, selling a bunch on Vinted, and being mindful of our new purchases.

No autumn wardrobe is complete without a pair of chunky stompers, and we’ve had our eye on the GANNI Leather Mid Chelsea Boots from COGGLES for a while. The price tag is more than what we would usually spend, but considering the unpredictable weather Manchester blesses us with, we’ve decided they’re a sustainable investment that will last for years.

Left - Hannah May, Women's Tan Coat £150, Right - Coggles GANNI Leather Mid Chelsea Boots £345

Where to Eat & Drink

It’s been a gorgeous few weeks of eating and drinking our way through Manchester. The end of September saw the opening of Blacklock on Peter Street, a modern twist on the classic British chophouse that has quickly become one of our favourite new spots. Be sure to add their Sunday roast to your list this winter.

We also had the perfect girls’ night at Ancoats Deli for their Cheese & Wine evening. Every pairing was a dream, accompanied by immaculate vibes and an amazing team that makes sure you're well taken care of. We can’t wait to go back!

Another lovely dinner was spent at Evelyn’s, celebrating some of the new autumn additions to their menu. The Tuna Crudo, BBQ Mackerel, and Picanha Steak were all delicious and could easily become menu staples. And of course, we can’t forget the Chocolate Crémeux with brioche crisp, extra virgin olive oil, and sea salt—a dessert you absolutely can’t miss.

What’s On

October brings a variety of activities, from autumnal walks and binge-watching Nobody Wants This, to workshops, pumpkin picking, and Halloween fun.

Here are a few ideas for an autumnal day out:

Tatton Park: Take a scenic walk, pick a pumpkin, grab a coffee at the café, and enjoy a beautiful day in Knutsford.
Dunham Massey: Stroll through the park, then head to Altrincham Market for a tasty lunch in the food hall.
Farm Club: Start your morning with yoga, breathwork, and a lake dip, followed by a drink at the coffee shop.
Lyme Park: Drive to Disley for a walk around Lyme Park, then head to The Packhorse in Hayfield for a delicious roast.

Wellbeing

Adanola Run Club, Community Pace 5k - Every Saturday 10:15am until 2nd November
Club de Padel x Made Running Run Club 5k - Every Monday 7pm
Britte J Fitness: Fitness & Wellness Event at Zeno Health Club - 27th October
GOTG Reformer Pilates Class at Embrace Studio - 19th October

Food / Drink

Sunday roast season has arrived! As the cooler days set in, it’s the perfect time to indulge in a comforting Sunday roast. Here are the top spots we’ll be visiting to get our fix: Medlock Canteen, The Pearl, Evelyn’s, Blacklock, Hawksmoor, Volta, Trof, The Edinburgh Castle, and The Jane Eyre—and the list doesn’t end there!

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be rating our favourites, so make sure to follow along for our top picks!

Ceramic Supper hosted by chef Holly Sumner and ceramicist Frida Cooper as part of the Eat Well MCR Do Good festival - 26th October
The Daisy see the return of their Super Early Bird Special - Join The Daisy every Friday from 4pm-7pm for £1.50 Oysters, £40 bottles on Champagne, £20 double martini carafe and 4 bottles of Noam beer for just £24
New Autumn dishes at Evelyn’s - we’re still thinking about the Picanha Steak! You can also get 50% off all bottles of wine weekdays 5-7pm
Jazz Night at Flawd with Lucas Kelly Organ Trio - 31st October
Live Jazz with Anna Lynch at The Pearl 6-9pm - 31st October
10 Tib Lane welcomes Bench for their fundraiser dinner with Eatwell. An evening of delicious cocktails & seasonal dishes - 21st October
Black-owned wine tasting with Tonis Wine Club at BlackOwned Studios - 25th October
The Big Manchester Bake has just opened in Manchester - go and get your bake off on gals!
Eat Well, Do Good Festival by Eat Well MCR at various venues throughout the city- 21st - 27th October
Simmons Bars Opening - Renowned for its legendary Happy Hour and buzzing party atmosphere, Simmons Bars is making its way to Deansgate - Opens 24th October

To do

If you do anything this month, make sure to see Burlesque The Musical at the Opera House. Even if musicals aren’t usually your thing, this one is funny, fabulous, and totally infectious. It’s the perfect girls' night out—you'll leave feeling as confident as the dancers on stage. It’s showing until 2nd November, so book your tickets now!