UNICORN GROCERY

"It's an over-used phrase, but the Unicorn really is a Mecca for vegetarians, vegans, raw-foodists and right-on types. Situated in fashionable Chorlton, south Manchester, it draws customers from all over Greater Manchester and beyond, and a newly opened branch of Manchester's tram service makes it easily accessible from the city centre. The Unicorn is a fairly unique large grocery store run on ethical principles - it runs as a co-operative and stock is dictated by ethics - so, it's mainly (possibly 100%) vegan, very organic and fair trade, and they also stock locally grown fresh veg (with authentic mud!). The chiller cabinets contain vegan ready meals, flavoured tofu and tempeh, dips and sprouts that it's very hard to find anywhere else. There's a corner where you can buy locally-baked bread, and snacks like onion bhajias and samosas, and there's a well stocked booze section with interesting organic vegan wines, beers and spirits. If you're looking for anything out of the ordinary, this is the place to start. It's packed at the weekends, always pretty busy, with a certain amount of jostling in the aisles as Manchester's ethical eaters search for fascinating new grains, nuts, pulses and tofu variants. It's not cheap although prices are kept as low as is feasible. The car park is a bit tricky as people are always easing their way in and out - my recommendation would be to get yout right-on boxes ticked by taking the tram or bus (or bike!) - and take your own home-made carrier bags."

"Wonderful selection of vegan alternative cheeses, Cheesely etc. Superb breads and an extensive selection (compared to High Street supermarkets) of organic wines the kind that do not wake you up with a terrible headache. Ethical, friendly, healthy and unique - a real gem ."