8 reasons why Prestwich is north Manchester’s up-and-coming vibrant village

Prestwich, a town just to the north of Manchester, is a place very much on the up. Although Prestwichians pay their council tax to Bury, this urban village actually lies closer to the real second city and is definitely Mancunian in vibe and soul. Here are some reasons why it is such a great place to live.

Community spirit

Possibly Prestwich’s greatest strength is its sense of community. The annual literary festival demonstrates its arty sensibilities, while the Prestwich Heritage Society works hard to maintain the links with the village’s history. A busy library, a newly-opened Co-operative shop, seasonal markets, thriving WI and all manner of clubs and societies keep the community spirit alive and kicking.

Transport

Another big asset of living in Prestwich is its great transport links. Manchester city centre is barely 15 minutes away on the tram, while the M60 means all points north, south, east and west – including some fantastic countryside are easily accessible. Speaking of which….

Affordable housing

Many say Prestwich has the potential to be the ‘Didsbury of the North.’ Its ‘villagey’ feel certainly has similarities with its southern counterpart. But there is one crucial difference – your humble pound will stretch a lot further in the Prestwich property market. Cosy Victorian terraces, larger family homes and trendy new apartments – there is something for everyone and every budget. But if you are eyeing a Prestwich pile you might want to move fast. Prices are on the rise – fuelled by an influx of young professionals priced out of the southern ‘burbs.

Jennie Platt Estates and Lettings are independent specialists in properties in Prestwich and Whitefield whether you are looking to sell, buy, rent or rent out.

Born and bred in Prestwich and with extensive experience of the property market, Jennie Platt is returning to her roots expanding her hugely successful city centre property company City Centre Chic and bringing a new approach and unique insight to homes in this thriving community.

You can find Jennie Platt Estates and Lettings behind the ‘Big Yellow Door’, in the heart of Prestwich village – open seven days a week, with extended opening hours to suit you and convenient parking.

Green Spaces

Prestwich may be an urban village but there are plenty of places where you can kick back and get away from the sounds of the city. Heaton Park is the jewel in the crown – a vast area of open spaces and woodland. In summer it plays host to the Parklife Festival and other big music events and there is even a beach there at the moment.

Children’s play areas, a golf course with stunning views, a farm centre where peacocks strut their stuff and a tranquil boating lake are amongst its attractions. Two new EatDrinkShop cafes at Heaton Hall and the Pavilion near the lake provide some quality sustenance to visitors. A visit to the Heaton Park lions is a must but you can’t help but be dismayed by the sight of Heaton Hall in its current state of neglect. Come on Manchester City Council – get your act together.

St Mary’s Park is another little oasis, with tennis courts, five-a-side, basketball and even an outside ping pong table to keep everyone amused. It’s also the venue for a tribute band mini festival and the main site for Prestwich Carnival. Across the road lies the Flower Garden which has recently been restored and hosts summer events such as Prestwich Clough Day – a jamboree of food, drink, brass bands and community stalls which seems to bring the whole village out in force. A small gate from the Flower Garden leads to Prestwich Clough, a beautiful bit of woodland, which in turn leads to acres of unspoilt countryside with cycle and walking routes, wild deer, ponds, wildlife and a sculpture trail – the area’s true hidden gem.

Eating Out

Prestwich is proud to be the home to award-winning restaurant Aumbry, on Church Lane. Top chef Mary Ellen McTague is well known for her delicious high-end cuisine, using the finest, locally-sourced ingredients. She built her hard-earned reputation training with Heston Blummenthal, has appeared on the BBC’s Great British Menu and writes a weekly column for the Guardian Weekend. Her cosy eatery has an intimate, dining room feel to it, with friendly service and lets the food speak for itself.

From 23rd September Mary Ellen McTague will be moving to 4424 Edge Street in the Northern Quarter, Manchester for a autumnal pop-up residence,while the Prestwich Aumbry premises undergo kitchen renovations. Don’t panic local foodies! … she will re-open in Prestwich before Christmas.

Other highlights include fab gourmet pizzas at Croma, tasty Turkish food at Istanbul Grill and a little gem of a curry house, Bombay Cuisine.

Time for Tea does afternoon teas, while Pinto’s Cafe is popular with the breakfast, brunch and lunch crowd.

Drinking

Cuckoo, a bar on Bury New Road, has just celebrated its first birthday and has been a huge success. Its relaxed, but stylish, warm interior, outdoor seating and cleverly converted basement have proved a hit with locals. Wood-fired pizza is on offer, along with a weekend brunch menu and good coffee. The weekend evenings have a bustling feel with DJs and a fantastic cocktail selection.

For those who go in search of a pint slightly off the beaten track, head to the Church Inn, on Church Lane in the shadow of historic St Mary’s Church. It has all you would want from a traditional English pub – real ale, a great jukebox and landlord who does not tolerate idiots. You might even bump into a member of local heroes Elbow.

On the other side of the village The St Margaret’s Tavern and Holt’s pub The Ostrich, which has a big beer garden overlooking Heaton Park are both worth a visit.

Shopping

The village has plenty of independent shops to visit including Village Greens which offers organic produce, freshly baked bread and ethically sourced items to the area. Red Hair & Beauty specialise in top notch styling and bridal make up. Homeware store Ellie Magpie runs sewing and craft courses. The latest addition to the village is Rose and Lee Vintage which opened in August and offers an eclectic mix of antiques and furniture, featuring local makers in beautiful new premises next door to Cuckoo. They’re all on Bury New Road. Hop over to Bury Old Road and you will find Zara’s Cupcakes, The Old Curiosity Shop – an Aladdin’s cave of antiques – and hardcore hardware shop Relionus. Vinyl specialists Endless Music are also set to relocate to this side of the village.

Entertainment

The Longfield Suite hosts concerts, a beer festival, Christmas market and wrestling. Bop Local hold regular boogie nights at Heaton Park Sports and Social bar and Shangri La fills the Carlton Club with poetry, music and comedy.

Did you know?

The name Prestwich is thought to mean Priest’s Retreat.

Famous people born or who grew up in Prestwich include Man-Booker Prize winning-author Howard Jacobson, comedienne Victoria Wood, along with 10cc’s Kevin Godley and Lol Crème.

The Fall’s Mark E Smith is another local lad.

The Velvet Underground’s Nico spent her last years in Prestwich.