In the Northern Quarter exploring the present

Pop Boutique, Oldham Stree

Now I had forgotten just how much I like wandering the Northern Quarter.

It is a little off our usual beat and as we walked around it on Saturday I realized just how much I miss by not going there more regularly.

All of which is an introduction to some pictures of the place.

Today’s images are just off Oldham Street, but there are plenty of interesting and quirky shops, bars and cafes in the side streets and over the next few months I think I shall explore these combining some photographs of now and then with  stories of the people and places from the last century.

Oldham Street continues to evolve with some businesses appearing and others vanishing but always there is a lot to see and enjoy.

The Fig & Sparrow, 20 Oldham Street

And along the small stretch from Dale Street there is Fig and Sparrow, Independent Lifestyle store & Coffee Bar, the clothes shop Thunder Egg, the bar Night and Day and he ever popular Pop Boutique.

There will be those who mutter this is just an outrageous ploy at advertising some of the businesses on Oldham Street, but not so.

Every city should have its quirky corner and the Northern Quarter is just that.

It is also an area rich with history dating back to the 18th century when the area was on the edge of the city but fast developing through the 19th century with the markets on western side and bounded by a collection of textile mills and cheap housing just beyond Great Ancoats Street.

Inside the Fig & Sparrow

But I shall conclude with Fig and Sparrow which has nicely positioned itself as somewhere to eat and relax and talk about the interesting objects on sale.

We found it by accident as we walked down the street and was drawn in by the interesting merchandise and the offer of food.

Pictures; from the collection of Andrew Simpson