HATstock....Next stop...Stockport!

My studio is in the heart of Stockport's old town and overlooks the market place, a stones throw from the Hat Museum.

Over the 12 months I've been there, I've had fun discovering quirky, individual, independent places that are off the beaten track and conveniently in spitting distance from my studio!

So whilst you're in Stockport visiting or taking part in HATstock, and you've absorbed all there is to offer at Hatworks, you may like to take a peek at some hidden gems...click on the images for more info.

Pedallin' great coffee, cakes and home made soup; this is place is friendly, cosy and down the steep steps from my studio on Lower Hillgate.

Just round the corner from Tandem on Wellington St, Agapanthus Interiors is always worth a look for it's gorgeous vintage lighting and eclectic array of furniture and accessories,  

I'm lucky enough to look down on the Victorian glass covered market from my studio and it is open on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. It is also home to Vintage Village on the 2nd Sunday of every month.

I often go to the Haberdashery stall where they pick the right thread to match my felt everytime!

Opposite the Market Hall is Stockport Museum whose current exhibition, Strawberry Studios “I Am in Love”  celebrates 50 years of Strawberry Studios and Stockport's musical heritage.  

Set up in 1967, Strawberry Studios became one of the first professional recording studios outside of London. It soon became the ‘go to studio’ for a diverse range of national and international artists. 10cc, Paul McCartney, The Buzzcocks, Neil Sedaka, Sad Cafe and the Bay City Rollers all stepped through Strawberry’s doors. 

Still in Market Place, 20th Century Stores is an Aladdin's cave of vintage- clothes, jewellery, home decor, toys, books and collectables; if I'm low on motivation I'll treat myself to a mooch and find it hard to leave empty handed! Photo by Darren Ord Photography.

And no need to go much further for a pitstop than the Baker's Vaults....great atmosphere and friendly staff serving hotdogs and burgers accompanied by live music if you're lucky!