Fig and Sparrow opens on Oldham Street

You’d be forgiven for walking into Fig and Sparrow on Oldham Street and not realising that it only opened this week – it already feels like its part of the Northern Quarter furniture. Hard to believe that just a few months ago this was the site of the much-vaunted, short-lived Lomography shop. Owners and operators Jan and Emily Dixon wanted to open a shop that showcased local and world artists as well as giving them a place to be creative themselves, and what better than to fuel that creativity than with a flat white made by well-trained (and lovely) baristas. Just as Fig and Sparrow doubles as gift shop and coffee house, so too the owner’s double as both entrepreneurs and, first and foremost, photographers. Having worked across the city with the likes of the Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester Art Gallery and Cornerhouse, they have developed links with artists across Manchester and beyond with their work as Tape. With cards, artwork and homeware designed by local artists and some from further afield, and some cameras left by the stores previous tenants, as well as fair trade coffees to take home, Fig and Sparrow is a welcome, and welcoming, addition to the Northern Quarter’s coffee and creative spaces. Pop in with your laptop, sketchpad or a just good book; it’ll feel like it’s always been there.

Fig and Sparrow, 20 Oldham Street, M1 1JN, Tel: 0161 228 1843, Opening times Mon – Fri 8am – 7pm, Sat 10am – 6pm, Sun 11am – 6pm, @FigSparrow