Fred Aldous Ltd
Manchester's 138-year-old family emporium of art, craft, and quirky delights in the Northern Quarter—where color, creativity, and vintage vibes fuel every maker's imagination.
Nestled in Manchester's vibrant Northern Quarter, Fred Aldous is a family-run treasure trove established in 1886. Spanning three floors, it stocks over 30,000 art, craft, haberdashery, and design-led products, from vibrant stationery and Japanese imports to specialized tools for painting, glass crafting, and metalwork. Vintage photobooths—a 1967 black-and-white model and an 1980s color one—add quirky charm, while the light, colorful space inspires makers aged eight to eighty.
A brief summary to Fred Aldous Ltd
- 37 Lever St, Manchester, M1 1LW, GB
- +441612364224
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Budget
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 9 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-5:30 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-5:30 pm
- Thursday 9 am-5:30 pm
- Friday 9 am-5:30 pm
- Saturday 9:30 am-6 pm
- Sunday 11 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Hunt for Japanese stationery and local artist collaborations on the ground floor for unique, vibrant finds.
- Try the vintage photobooths for retro strips—black-and-white from 1967 or rare 1980s color.
- Ask long-term staff for specialized advice; they guide from concept to completion.
- Browse the metalwork section for tools like mallets and saws if tackling ambitious projects.
- Opt for plastic-free packing and check free delivery over £50 for eco-friendly shopping.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Drink Options
Fred Aldous Ltd location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Fred Aldous Ltd
Origins in Manchester's Industrial Heart
Fred Aldous began in 1886 when founder Fred Aldous Sr., a mill worker, spotted an inefficiency in the cotton industry's basket transport. He imported cane, willow, and yeast, selling from a handcart on Manchester's backstreets to basket weavers supporting the booming textile trade. This humble start evolved as the business secured premises, laying the foundation for a legacy now in its fifth generation. By the 1920s, after World War I, Fred Aldous II identified a market gap for craft materials and tools. Responding to customer requests, the family expanded offerings organically, transforming a basket trade into a comprehensive supplier for artists and hobbyists. Today, this evolution reflects Manchester's enduring 'worker bee' spirit of industriousness and creativity.A Vibrant Department Store for Makers
The ground floor bursts with color, showcasing design-led gifts like Japanese stationery, notebooks, cards, and exclusive ranges collaborated with local illustrators and artists. Ascend to discover haberdashery, paints, inks, and tools for diverse pursuits—tie-dye, stencilling, lampshade assembly, and even an extensive metalwork section with mallets, punches, and saw blades. The basement houses practical essentials like pencils and chemicals, evoking a hobbyist's haven. With over 30,000 products across three floors, Fred Aldous caters to all skill levels, enabling visitors to craft anything imaginable. The airy, light-filled interior contrasts the gritty industrial past of the Northern Quarter, where the shop predates the area's trendy rebirth from wholesale merchants to bustling creative hub.Unique Features and Analog Passions
Step back in time with two vintage chemical photobooths: a rare 1967 black-and-white model and an 1980s color booth. These treasures underscore the shop's commitment to analogue photography, stocking camera film and developing chemicals to keep the craft alive amid digital dominance. Such quirks make browsing an immersive experience, blending nostalgia with inspiration. The store supports community art schemes and underfunded groups through material donations, fostering Manchester's creative ecosystem. Long-serving staff, some with over 40 years' tenure, offer expert guidance on sourcing just the right supplies—even for nascent ideas.Enduring Legacy in the Northern Quarter
Long before the Northern Quarter's bars and galleries, Fred Aldous occupied a modest doorway off Piccadilly Gardens amid nondescript streets. Its persistence mirrors Manchester's transformation from Cottonopolis to cultural powerhouse. Plastic-free packing and free delivery over £50 signal modern sustainability, while free returns enhance accessibility. Open six days a week with Sunday hours, it remains a destination for serious artists, casual crafters, and gift seekers. Whether stocking up on Rhodia pads, Field Notes, or Leuchtturm accessories, visitors leave equipped to create.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Statue of the Duke of Wellington
0.2 km
A commanding Victorian bronze statue in Piccadilly Gardens honoring the Duke of Wellington’s military valor and political legacy.
Murrays' Mill
0.5 km
Explore Murrays' Mills, the world’s oldest urban steam-powered cotton mill, where industrial heritage meets modern living in Manchester’s historic Ancoats district.
Victory Over Blindness
0.5 km
A powerful bronze memorial at Manchester Piccadilly honoring WWI veterans blinded in battle, symbolizing resilience and solidarity at eye level.
Arch of Chinatown
0.6 km
Europe's only imperial Chinese arch, a stunning gateway to Manchester's vibrant multicultural heart.
Robert Owen Statue
0.6 km
Honoring Robert Owen, pioneer of social reform and the co-operative movement, through a striking statue in Manchester’s city heart.
Connaught Building
0.6 km
Discover the historic Connaught Building in Manchester, a captivating landmark reflecting the city’s rich architectural heritage and vibrant urban spirit.
The Undamaged Red Post Box
0.6 km
A resilient symbol of hope standing where devastation once reigned on Manchester's Corporation Street.
Manchester City Council
0.8 km
Manchester City Council’s majestic Town Hall in Albert Square: a Victorian Neo-Gothic masterpiece and symbol of civic heritage.
St. Peter's Square
0.8 km
Manchester’s historic St Peter's Square blends rich heritage, iconic architecture, and vibrant urban life at the heart of the city centre.
John Bright Statue
0.8 km
A marble tribute in Albert Square honoring John Bright’s legacy as a champion of free trade and social reform in Victorian Manchester.
Great Ancoats Street Tunnel (tram) west portal
0.8 km
A historic tram tunnel portal in Ancoats, symbolizing Manchester’s industrial heritage and urban transformation.
Albert Memorial
0.8 km
A grand Victorian Gothic monument in Albert Square celebrating Prince Albert’s legacy through art, science, and culture.
Great Ancoats Street Tunnel (tram) east portal
0.8 km
Historic tram tunnel portal in Manchester’s industrial Ancoats district, linking past mill heritage with modern urban regeneration.
Dalton Entry
0.8 km
Discover Dalton Entry, a hidden Manchester alley honoring John Dalton’s atomic theory and scientific legacy through art and history.
Mulberry Passage
0.8 km
Discover Mulberry Passage, a hidden Manchester alleyway celebrating John Dalton’s atomic theory through captivating art and historic charm.
Unmissable attractions to see
DRY BAR
0.1 km
Discover the lively ambiance and eclectic music scene at DRY BAR, a premier bar and nightclub in Manchester's vibrant nightlife.
Shops
0.1 km
Discover Oldham Street, Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter hotspot for vintage fashion, indie shops, live music, and authentic urban culture.
Greater Manchester Police Museum & Archives
0.1 km
Explore Manchester’s historic police station, original cells, and magistrates’ court in this immersive museum dedicated to policing heritage.
Afflecks
0.1 km
Explore Manchester’s legendary alternative indoor market, home to over 60 independent traders and a vibrant hub of creativity and culture.
Breakout Manchester Church Street
0.1 km
Experience thrilling, immersive escape rooms on Manchester’s Church Street with diverse themes and challenging puzzles for all skill levels.
Blue Rinse Manchester and Kilo Shop
0.2 km
Discover unique vintage fashion treasures by the kilo in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter, blending style with sustainability.
Fell Northern Quarter
0.2 km
Experience the heartbeat of Manchester's nightlife at Fell Northern Quarter, where craft beer meets vibrant culture in an inviting atmosphere.
Empire Exchange
0.2 km
Dive into Manchester’s eclectic Empire Exchange, a treasure trove of vintage comics, vinyl, and collectibles where every visit uncovers a new story.
Hilton House Mural
0.2 km
A powerful street art mural in Manchester’s Northern Quarter blending social themes with vibrant urban creativity.
The Whiskey Jar
0.2 km
Discover The Whiskey Jar in Manchester, where an extensive whiskey collection meets a lively atmosphere, perfect for every occasion.
The Makers Market
0.2 km
Discover Manchester’s creative pulse at The Makers Market, where artisan crafts, street food, and live music unite in the vibrant Northern Quarter.
Manchester Craft and Design Centre
0.2 km
Discover handmade crafts, meet local artists, and enjoy artisan café culture in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter.
Express Building
0.3 km
A timeless Streamline Moderne masterpiece blending historic print heritage with vibrant modern workspaces in the heart of Ancoats, Manchester.
Piccadilly Gardens
0.3 km
Manchester’s central green space blending historic charm, modern design, and vital transport connections in a lively urban setting.
NQ Mural
0.3 km
Discover the vibrant NQ Mural, a colorful centerpiece of Manchester's Northern Quarter renowned for its dynamic street art and creative energy.
Essential places to dine
Turtle Bay Manchester Northern Quarter
0.1 km
Experience vibrant Caribbean flavors and lively island vibes in Manchester’s Northern Quarter at Turtle Bay.
Pieminister Manchester
0.1 km
Savor award-winning British pies in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter, where tradition meets modern comfort food in a lively, welcoming setting.
Evuna NQ
0.1 km
Experience authentic Spanish tapas and vibrant hospitality in Manchester’s Northern Quarter at Evuna NQ, a lively hub for food, wine, and culture.
Tariff & Dale
0.2 km
Historic industrial charm meets modern British cuisine and inventive cocktails in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter.
Almost Famous NQ
0.2 km
Bold, indulgent burgers and vibrant vibes in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, a must-visit for burger lovers and casual diners alike.
Cane & Grain
0.2 km
Discover Cane & Grain: where traditional American cuisine meets Manchester's vibrant nightlife scene in an unforgettable dining experience.
PUPA Restaurant & Bar
0.2 km
Authentic Mediterranean charcoal grill and vibrant atmosphere in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, perfect for steak lovers and lively dining.
Yard & Coop Manchester
0.3 km
Savor the best buttermilk fried chicken in Manchester’s Northern Quarter with bold flavors, craft beers, and a lively atmosphere.
63 Degrees
0.3 km
Experience meticulous French cuisine and elegant dining in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter at 63 Degrees.
Liquor and Burn
0.3 km
Experience bold Mexican street food and vibrant cocktails in Manchester’s artistic Northern Quarter at Luck Lust Liquor & Burn.
Street Urchin
0.3 km
Bold British seafood and market dining in a modern, plant-filled space with warm service and inventive, seasonal dishes in Manchester’s Ancoats.
Sicilian NQ - Restaurant and Bar
0.3 km
Authentic Sicilian cuisine and vibrant bar life in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, famed for arancini and inclusive vegan options.
Viet Shack Restaurant
0.3 km
Experience bold Vietnamese street food flavors and vibrant fusion dishes in the heart of Manchester’s creative Ancoats district.
TNQ - The Northern Quarter Restaurant & Bar
0.3 km
A beloved Northern Quarter gem serving seasonal British cuisine with award-winning roasts and warm, attentive service in a relaxed brasserie setting.
Canto
0.4 km
Experience vibrant Portuguese tapas and Mediterranean flavors in the stylish heart of Ancoats, Manchester’s buzzing culinary hotspot.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Fred Aldous Ltd
0.0 km
Manchester’s vibrant, family-run arts and crafts emporium with 30,000 products, vintage photo booths, and a creative spirit spanning over 130 years.
Suzylovesmilo concept store
0.1 km
Discover unique vintage fashion and sustainable style at Suzylovesmilo, Manchester’s curated concept store blending Japanese influences with local creativity.
Pop Boutique
0.1 km
Tucked into Oldham Street, Pop Boutique is Manchester’s well-curated vintage emporium for mid-century to 1990s fashion finds and eclectic accessories.
Thunder Egg
0.1 km
Dive into a rainbow of quirky fashion and gifts at Thunder Egg, Manchester's colorful boutique for unique vintage-inspired styles and playful outfits.
Cow Vintage Manchester
0.1 km
Discover trend-led vintage fashion and sustainable style in Manchester’s creative Northern Quarter at Cow Vintage.
Red and Blue Umbrella
0.1 km
Discover timeless style and friendly service at Manchester’s Red and Blue Umbrella vintage clothing shop on Church Street.
Laissez Faire UK Fairtrade & Eco Clothes & Gifts
0.2 km
Discover fairtrade and eco-friendly fashion and gifts in the heart of Manchester’s vibrant Church Street district.
The Manchester Shop
0.2 km
Discover Manchester's soul in bee motifs, music tees, and proud souvenirs at this Northern Quarter gem within Afflecks Arcade.
Bionic Seven
0.2 km
Discover expertly curated vintage menswear and unique streetwear styles at Bionic Seven, a Northern Quarter icon since 2003.
Form Lifestyle Store
0.2 km
Discover Manchester's hidden gem: a light-filled Grade II listed haven brimming with indie-crafted homewares, gifts, and creative workshops in the Northern Quarter.
Kiku Boutique
0.2 km
Bespoke corsets and vintage lingerie in Manchester's Northern Quarter: handmade elegance that defies fast fashion.
Nordic Muse Lifestyle Store
0.2 km
A quietly curated Northern Quarter boutique for simple, well-crafted jewellery and Nordic-inspired homeware.
Studio One - Jewellery, Craft, Gifts and Homewares
0.2 km
Discover exquisite handmade jewellery and crafts at Studio One, a vibrant artisan studio within Manchester’s historic Craft and Design Centre.
Deadstock General Store
0.2 km
Discover useful beauty at Deadstock General Store, where Liam Jackson curates high-end Japanese designs, artisan gifts, and tailoring in Manchester's Northern Quarter.
Jessica6 Designs
0.2 km
Discover unique luxury gifts and local artistry at Jessica6 Designs within Manchester’s vibrant Craft & Design Centre.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Dusk Til Pawn
0.0 km
Secretive pawn-shop façade, intimate speakeasy interior and a menu of inventive cocktails in Manchester’s Northern Quarter.
Flok
0.0 km
Lively pub with excellent drinks and friendly vibes in the heart of Manchester’s Northern Quarter nightlife.
7Sins, Northern Quarter
0.0 km
A vibrant basement bar and gaming hub in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, mixing cocktails, pool, arcade games, and dance club energy.
The Fitzgerald
0.1 km
Velvet seats, craft cocktails and live jazz in a 1920s‑inspired Manchester speakeasy with a stage for cabaret and private hire.
Wilson's Social
0.1 km
All-day Northern Quarter hub: brunch by day, cocktails and beats by night in a multi-level party palace with pool, courtyard, and private den.
Night & Day Cafe
0.1 km
Manchester's intimate live music heartbeat in the Northern Quarter—where legends launched and nights ignite with raw indie energy.
Mean Eyed Cat Bar Manchester
0.1 km
Dive into Manchester’s Northern Quarter for rebellious rock ’n’ roll vibes, free pizza, and legendary dice games at Mean Eyed Cat Bar.
Behind Closed Doors
0.1 km
Descend into debauched delight at this Northern Quarter speakeasy, where retro telephones summon saucy cocktails amid erotic art, neon booths, and funky DJ beats until 4am.
The Daisy
0.1 km
Parisian subterranean cocktail haven in Manchester's Northern Quarter: eclectic vibes, masterful drinks, and weekend DJ magic beneath Evelyn's.
Hold Fast Bar
0.1 km
Dive into Manchester's Northern Quarter basement gem: nautical vibes, retro tiles, banging tunes, and chill nights at Hold Fast Bar.
NQ64 Northern Quarter
0.2 km
Retro arcade bar blasting 80s-90s nostalgia with neon cocktails, token games, and basement buzz in Manchester's Northern Quarter.
Science And Industry
0.2 km
Sophisticated cocktails and a stylish vibe await you at Science and Industry, the first-floor bar of Cane & Grain in Manchester’s Northern Quarter.
The Crown & Kettle
0.3 km
Grade II-listed Ancoats gem with a world-class tin ceiling, craft beer mastery, and cozy Victorian vibes—Manchester's perfect pub hybrid.
Bar Fringe
0.3 km
A cozy Northern Quarter bar with quirky charm, top Belgian beers, live music, and a welcoming vibe for relaxed socializing.
Wolf at the Door
0.3 km
A vibrant Northern Quarter bar serving innovative tapas-style bao buns, craft cocktails, and a lively urban atmosphere.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Aatma
0.1 km
Manchester's underground heartbeat: live beats, pizza slices, and all-night vibes in the Northern Quarter's hidden gem.
Twenty Twenty Two
0.1 km
Manchester's gritty basement haven where ping pong battles rage under DJ beats and craft brews flow freely in the Northern Quarter's creative underbelly.
Mint Lounge
0.1 km
Experience Manchester’s Northern Quarter nightlife at Mint Lounge, a lively club with eclectic music, affordable drinks, and an inclusive vibe.
Funkademia
0.1 km
Manchester's longest-running funk and soul night pulses at Mint Lounge in the Northern Quarter—dance to electric disco until dawn in an underground haven.
YDSA Events | Queer Clubbing
0.5 km
Dive into Manchester's most inclusive queer rave: grungy beats, diverse dancers, and unapologetic joy at YDSA Events in Ancoats.
Cargo
0.5 km
Manchester's Printworks powerhouse: light-up dance floors, bottomless brunches, and non-stop beats until dawn in the city's nightlife epicenter.
Club Tropicana
0.6 km
Dive into 1980s glamour at Manchester's premier gay nightclub, where drag, DJs, cocktails, and retro beats fuel the Gay Village's electric nightlife.
Satans Hollow
0.7 km
Manchester's infernal punk-rock abyss: demonic decor, dirt-cheap drinks, and mosh-pit mayhem for metalheads and rebels.
Bijou Club
0.9 km
Manchester's hidden riverside gem: celebrity vibes, secret garden terrace, and LED-lit beats in an exclusive Deansgate nightclub.
Club Liv Manchester
0.9 km
Experience Manchester’s vibrant nightlife with exclusive VIP vibes, world-class Pan-Asian dining, and a stylish rooftop terrace at Club Liv.
FAC251 - Factory Manchester
1.0 km
Experience Manchester’s legendary Factory Records heritage with three floors of indie, rock, and electronic music at FAC251 - The Factory.
Venue Nightclub
1.0 km
Manchester's underground indie haven: cheap drinks, packed dance floors, and anthems till dawn in Deansgate's electric night scene.
42's
1.1 km
Manchester’s iconic indie nightclub blending rich musical heritage with a lively, inclusive nightlife experience.
Viva Manchester
1.1 km
Compact stage-driven nightclub on Whitworth Street West — theatrical themed nights, DJ sets and group-friendly table service.
Kable
1.1 km
A compact, late‑night basement club on New Wakefield Street, favoured for punchy electronic nights and close‑up DJ sessions.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Quirky
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Retro Vibes
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Art & Design
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Colorful Backdrops
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Eco-Friendly
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
