Do you have a hard-to-shop-for man in your life? Facing another Christmas of panic-buying ties and socks?
Save yourself a few hours of wandering the Trafford Centre in desperation and have a look around Altrincham instead.
Here are our picks for putting a smile on the face of even the most picky partner or demanding dad this festive season.
1. A customised hamper from Bier Cell
For the beer connoisseur, Bier Cell is a dream come true. With a selection of high quality and rare beers from around the world, as well as a large range of branded glassware, this tiny shop off Greenwood Street is a haven for beer lovers. Belgian, Dutch and German beers are a specialty, and there’s also an excellent range of British brews. The staff are on hand to make recommendations – and best of all for gift giving, they do made-to-order customised hampers for a truly one-of-a-kind gift.
Where: 34 Greenwood St, Altrincham, WA14 1RZ
More information: Bier Cell
2. A musical instrument from South City Music
If there’s a budding or veteran rock star on your list, you’ll find something to suit at South City. Run by musicians for musicians, the shop is staffed by a friendly and knowledgeable crew who stock instruments for everyone from beginners to professionals: guitars, brass, woodwind, drums, sheet music and accessories. They also do repairs, so if you know someone whose guitar has been gathering dust, having it tuned up and fitted with a new strap might be just the thing.
Where: 18 Ashley Rd, Altrincham, WA14 2DW
More information: South City Music
3. A bag of Rhode Island Coffee beans
It’s back! The popular local coffee company’s first location was in Altrincham before closing in 2012. Now reopened in a beautiful new space in the George Street shopping precinct, it’s already a rousing success. If you’re shopping for the passionate at-home barista, you can buy Rhode Island Coffee’s delicious dark roast beans and flavoured syrups to take home. Paired with a new cafetiere or a set of mugs, this would make a very welcome gift for the coffee lover in your life.
Where: 87 George Street, Altrincham, WA14 1RN
4. A ticket for a local sporting event
How about treating him to a sporty day out to support Altrincham FC or the Manchester Phoenix ice hockey team, who play at the Altrincham Silver Blades ice dome? Tickets for home fixtures are available on the clubs’ websites.
More information: Altrincham FC or Manchester Phoenix
5. A massage treatment from The Spa at Hale Country Club
We could all do with a bit of pampering during the busy holiday season. The Spa at Hale Country Club offers unique services designed just for him, such as the “Stress Buster” package, which combines skin treatments and hot stone massage in a calming, luxurious atmosphere – guaranteed to de-stress and revitalise.
Where: Clay Lane, Hale, WA15 7AF
More information: Hale Country Club
6. An antiquarian map from Abacus Books
Specialising in local history, this charming Regent Road shop is a great place to browse in search of antiquarian maps and books about the area. There’s also an eclectic mix of new and second-hand books to please any bibliophile on your list.
Where: 24 Regent Road, Altrincham, WA14 1RP
Tel: 0161 928 5108
Tomorrow: Six gift ideas for her
