AT THE HEART OF WITHINGTON
Just a stone’s throw from the cool and fashionable suburbs of Didsbury and Chorlton, the rejuvenated village of Withington is somewhat of a rising star.
With a wide mixture of property types and its leafy suburban streets, along with a recent influx of independent retailers, bars, eateries and coffee shops to the bustling Wilmslow Road and surrounding streets, it’s easy to see why more and more people are choosing to set up home in Withington.
No matter who you are, there is plenty to keep you occupied locally both in and around Withington’s thriving village centre. From a famous vegan ice cream parlour and a Japanese deli, through to vintage clothes stores, record shops and coffee houses; the village has a wide mixture of retailers along with well known high street supermarkets and chains. Also boasting a broad selection of bars, pubs and restaurants, Withington has almost everything you could possibly need, and with excellent links to other parts of the city, you’re never very far from the action.
In recent years the village has undergone major regeneration, and in the process forged its own unique and quirky identity with many creative and independent retailers flocking to the area. The creativity of the location can be evidenced in the visual art commissioned by the crowdfunded Withington Walls initiative, which adorns a selection of the walls around the village and decorates the shutters of the eclectic mix of shops. By creating this fantastic outdoor gallery of colourful street art, the community has come together to take pride in the area and helped to support its local businesses and the wider community.
The regeneration of the area will also see improvements made to Rutherford Square, creating a new and attractive public space near to the library.
IN AND AROUND WITHINGTON
Withington’s two main shopping streets are packed with things to do. Wilmslow Road has many interesting independent retailers such as bars, restaurants, fashion boutiques, traditional pubs, estate agents and takeaways. The old Nat West bank building adjacent to Bank House is currently being developed into a high quality food and beverage premises, which will sit just meters from your new home.
Withington is home to a regular market, as well as a Co-op supermarket, and a selection of small independent offerings, such as a Lebanese butcher’s, a hardware store, a pharmacy and a fruit and veg store.
Wilmslow Road is an historic main artery of the city, feeding off Oxford Road and passing through Manchester’s University district and Rusholme’s world famous Curry Mile, with Indian, Middle Eastern and fusion restaurants galore. In the other direction, the road passes through the desirable Didsbury village area with its many shops, pubs, restaurants and bars, continuing onwards to East Didsbury, which boasts a multi-screen IMAX cinema and bowling alley.
If you’re looking for something other than Withington’s great offer, Burton Road in West Didsbury is a short distance away and has many independent retailers. The bohemian Beech Road area in Chorlton is also within easy reach, boasting a good selection of restaurants, bars and quirky independents.
Many transport options exist with regular buses in both directions and cycle routes connecting to the city centre and further afield.
WITHINGTON BATHS & LEISURE CENTRE
Housed within an attractive Edwardian building, Withington Baths and Leisure Centre reopened in 2015 after extensive restoration work.
The facility is independently run with a focus on local community integration. The building boasts a restored Edwardian swimming pool with a Nordic sauna and a refurbished gym with excellent modern facilities, from cardio equipment and resistance machines to free weights.
Two recently refurbished studios host 65 classes every week, from Yoga and Core Fusion to Muy Thai Fit, led by trained instructors. Classes are free for leisure centre members, or you can pay as you go to try out any of the classes before you join.
WITHINGTON WORKS
Withington Works, a brand new community co-working space situated directly above the leisure centre opened its doors in 2019. This bright and tastefully refurbished space is ideal for getting a day’s work done and improving your health and well-being, and you don’t even need to leave the building!
A range of options are offered, from hot desking to a permanent work space. Additionally, corporate membership discounts are available to tenants who wish to make use of the leisure centre’s facilities.
WITHINGTON LIBRARY
A recently refurbished, council-run community lending library, housed in a neoclassical building in the centre of the village. Withington Library offers a wide selection of books and audio books, as well as collaborative work spaces, community events and classes.
Meeting rooms are available for hire and computers are available for use free of charge.
THE INSTITUTE
Originally Withington Public Hall and Institute, The Institute (known locally as ‘The Home Wreckers’) ran as a member’s only social club until its closure in 2019. More recently the building has hosted a pop-up real ale venue called The Lock Inn, a venture which was also hosted previously in the old bank building adjoining Bank House.
The building is currently being redeveloped as part of the village’s wider regeneration scheme and will soon become Withington’s own live music venue.
Withington Village Regeneration Partnership is a group of local individuals and stakeholders who are working dilligently to help the village centre continue its journey of bringing great independent retailers, restaurants, bars and events to the area, and looking at opportunities to continue to enhance the great community feel that Withington has.
WILDERNESS RECORDS
Just off the busy Wilmslow Road on Egerton Crescent, you will find Wilderness Records. This unique store offers a relaxed record shop and café environment. You can dig through an eclectic selection of new and used music, while enjoying a bite to eat, a cup of coffee or a craft beer. The café serves an abundance of tasty delicacies and refreshments, from tea and coffee to toasties, cakes, gin and tonic and craft beers – so it’s well worth dropping in even if you’re not on the lookout for new music. There is also an outdoor garden terrace which is open all year round.
ICE SHACK
This famous vegan ice cream parlour enjoys a cult following amongst vegans and dessert lovers alike. Ice shack offers a menu brimming with multiple flavours of soya-based ice cream and toppings, artisan sorbets, cakes, chocolate, waffles and hot and cold drinks. Once you have tried a few of the unique and delicious items on the menu, it’s not difficult to see why this destination is such a hit.
Situated on Wellington Road around the corner from the library, the premises has a homely and quirky feel, featuring recycled and upcycled furniture. The vast majority of the food on offer is prepared freshly every day, and literally everything sold here is vegan.
JAPAN DELI
Situated on Wilmslow Road, this well known Japanese deli is known for its big portions, reasonable prices and friendly atmosphere. Here you will find freshly prepared Japanese dishes such as Sushi, Ramen and Katsu. Prepare to leave feeling full and satisfied!
PASHA RESTAURANT
This well established restaurant is known in the area for its warm atmosphere and fine Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, with a range of tasty homemade and freshly prepared Lebanese dishes. The restaurant is vegetarian friendly and is not licenced, but you are welcome to bring your own alcohol.
MOCKINGBIRDS
An independent women’s boutique clothes shop offering a unique selection of ladies clothing including dresses, skirts, shoes and accessories. This is the ideal place to find that unique piece that won’t be on sale in the usual High Street outlets.
SOUTHSIDE TEQUILA JOINT
Now open on the High Street in the old Solomon’s bar, Southside Taco and Tequila joint is a new and exciting addition to Withington’s eclectic high street offering.
WITHINGTON’S GREAT OUTDOORS
If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of urban life, there are plenty of green spaces within close proximity of Bank House to escape to.
Old Moat Park is only a short walk away and offers an attractive and peaceful green space to exercise, unwind and recharge. The traffic-free Fallowfield Loop cycle route and footpath, extending eight miles along a disused railway line from Chorlton to Gorton, is situated nearby. A new ‘pocket park’ is planned for Swinbourne Grove, which will sit only a few steps away from your new home.
Other local green spaces such as Platt Fields Park, Didsbury Park, Fletcher Moss Park & Botanical Gardens, Fog Lane Park, Ladybarn Park, Chorlton Ees Nature Reserve, Marie Louise Gardens and the banks of the River Mersey are all easy to reach in a matter of minutes, whether you are driving a car, riding a bike or using public transport.
Also nearby are a selection of golf clubs at Withington, Chorlton, Heaton Moor and Cheadle.