As the Christmas sparkle descends across the city of Liverpool, it’s important now more than ever to support local businesses this festive season.
We are shining the festive spotlight on businesses that are not only local independents but are also working hard in the background to support local charities and causes the Liverpool way.
We caught up with three venues who are going that extra mile to discuss how they contribute to going above and beyond and how you as a customer can ‘Do good this Christmas.’
Paper Cup Coffee
Queen Square, Liverpool L1 1RH
Located at Queens Square, Paper Cup Coffee has been a shining beacon for the city since opening in February 2022.
The local coffee shop that donates all of its profits to helping people experiencing homelessness.
The idea of Paper Cup Coffee is to provide people with new skills and training that will successfully lead them to being able to take up employment either at the coffee shop itself or with other hospitality businesses in the city.
The PaperCup Coffee team said:
“It’s our aim, that every homeless person will wake up with a xmas present this year. We rely on the publics generosity, and it’s never been as important as it is now. We are definitely seeing the impact of the cost-of-living crisis. When we opened late Feb 2022, we used to see up to 10 homeless people per day. Now we are seeing 25-30.”
Customers who have recently visited the venue praised the ethics of Paper Cup Coffee, with one stating:
“We stumbled across this amazing organisation who work directly to support the homeless community in Liverpool. They have a pay it forward initiative where you can buy a hot drink for someone in need of some kindness and generosity. Overall lovely food, lovely people and a big heart”
As a customer, you can help this Christmas by visiting Paper Cup Coffee, not only to treat yourself to some of the tasty dishes and drinks on the menu, but also to buy a gift for one of the venue’s homeless friends. Customers just need to choose a package, and the team will take care of the rest.
Packages include Merry & Bright – £5 includes chocolates & socks, Festive Treat – £10 includes Hat, gloves, socks & chocolate, Glad Tidings – £15 includes hat, scarf, gloves, underwear, chocolate, notebook, and Santa are you listening – £25 portable radio, festive sweets.
News From Nowhere
96 Bold Street, Liverpool L1 4HY
Nestled on the popular independent Bold Street, News from Nowhere is Liverpool’s not-for-profit radical and community bookshop, established in 1974 and run collectively by a workers’ co-operative.
News from Nowhere are committed to social justice, with the literature stocked aimed at empowering and inspiring people to make positive changes in the world. From challenging the power of corporate capitalism to breaking down prejudiced attitudes toward others.
Although News from Nowhere is a relatively small shop, the team can order the same vast range of books for customers as bigger shops and websites can.
News From Nowhere team members, Jill & Julie commented:
“We are a community bookstore and fair price is very important to us.”
A customer who regularly visits the shop said:
“Two new wonderful books arrived today. I cannot wait to read them, never mind share them with the children. The illustrations are just wonderful. Thank you for the recommendations, Cate.”
As a customer, you can support by purchasing books from the stall this Christmas, making it a unique gift. The team’s recommended titles for Yuletide 2022 include ‘A Ukrainian Christmas’ by Nadiyka Gerbish & Yaroslav Hrtsak, ‘Christmas Stories: Twelve Poems to Tell and Share’ by Various Authors, ‘The Snow Dragon’ by Abi Elphinstone.
MerseyMade
98 Paradise Street, Liverpool L1 3HJ
Located on Paradise Street, MerseyMade was set up as a unique space, highlighting the creative talent that we have on Merseyside.
The team behind MerseyMade wanted local creatives and artists to be able to showcase and sell their work locally and with as few barriers as possible.
‘Shop Local’ is very important to the team and is at the heart of their business.
From gin, jewellery, artwork, and clothing, plus a lot more in-between, the shop provides a fantastic platform for local sellers to get their products out to local people and really support the ‘Shop Local’ initiative.
Andrea McShane Shop Manager, commented:
“At this time of year its important people support independent businesses such as Merseymade as without their support we would not be here.”
A Customer who recently visited MerseyMade said:
“Merseymade Christmas shopping and lovely lunch, well worth a visit.”
Another customer commented:
“Merseymade at it again with some great gifts for Christmas if you have any Corrie fans in the family.”
As a customer you can support by visiting the venue whether that be to shop or sit in for some food and drink, you can also purchase items online via MerseyMade Christmas Gift Guide HERE.
READ MORE: New Christmas campaign ‘Liverpool. Feels Like Christmas’ launches
