This is a project i've been working on since I began working in artisan cafes in Melbourne, Australia in 2011. I continued in London, working in some of the best artisan cafes in the Big Smoke! Along the way i've been collecting ideas and forming plans, writing post it notes and then finding then at the bottom of my bag! I've been back and forth to Manchester over the past few years always with the intention of opening my own cafe. peopleWatch will be a cafe serving good coffee, an informal Antipodean brunch style menu, small bar serving craft alcohol. All of which will be locally sourced supporting the great city of Manchester and the surrounds. It'll support local, independent businesses where possible and will focus on quality. Ideas over the course of the next few years, include supper clubs, art exhibitions, catering. The cafe will be quirky with a bit of a Mancunian character.
What we'll deliver:
- Serve good quality produce in a relaxed and informal setting
- Offer a great place to work, pay and benefits for the local people
- Revive and attract people to an unloved space
- Support locality
Why it's a great idea:
My inspiration was working in artisan cafes in Melbourne, Australia in 2011 on a working holiday visa. The seed was planted and i began to take notes, cafe hop and enjoy a cafe lifestyle. I moved back to the UK and went to London, working in some of the best cafes in city - New Row, Lantana, Curators, Craving Coffee.
The people of Manchester will benefit from specialty coffee, an Antipodean style of service and food menu, focusing on independence and support the growing food and beverage industry in Manchester. We have some great places to dine in the city, and i want to be a part of it. I have grafted for the past few years as a barista and cook and in my 30th year i'm ready to take on the challenge of making my dream a reality. I want to share with people the things i find pleasurable and satisfying. Good coffee, food and fine wines and beer. I want to bring my version of the cafe culture that i've experience in Melbourne and London to my home city of Manchester.
Steps to get it done:
It will be, FUN, friendly and accessible. A business incorporating the things i love: food, coffee and socialising. A hub ….to peopleWatch
