Our lovely friend and neighbour Dan (AKA, The Ancoats Florist) has been keeping Broadside in full bloom for weeks now with her beautiful bouquets, so we thought we’d sit down and have a proper chat about botany, local businesses, and where to get the best brew in Manchester…
Hi Dan, tell us a bit about The Ancoats Florist and your role there?
Hello. I’m Dan France, the gal holding the scissors here at The Ancoats Florist. I always quite fancied the idea of being a florist when I was little, but my mum quickly pushed it from my mind by reminding me that I unfortunately have hay fever! Nonsense! So, after a half-arsed attempt at an English degree, and a string of jobs I endlessly moaned about, my very patient husband asked me a big ol’ question – what is it you’d actually love to do? And so here I am. Loving every petal, every leaf, every minute, of every day, doing something that makes me dead happy. From weddings to workshops; bouquets to business contracts; events and beyond. I still feel silly calling it a job to be honest! I am as passionate about people as I am about flowers. And wonderful service. Because going that extra mile costs nothing but makes all the bloody difference.
Why did you decide to put down roots in Ancoats?
I moved to Ancoats 13 years ago for my first year of University, as it was cheaper to live in a lovely new flat than a grotty student halls. It was the ‘up and coming’ area at the time, ‘close to the Northern Quarter’ and a place that people wanted to avoid believe it or not. My fella and I then bought our flat in Islington Wharf 12 years ago and have been here ever since. I love it!
Do you take inspiration from the local area and people and reflect that in any of the bouquets or floral arrangements you sell?
Absolutely. Ancoats seems to have a closer sense of community than ever before and it’s full of such a wonderful, eclectic mix of people. I take inspiration from the architecture, people’s sense of style, the colours. I suppose everything I create tends to have a juxtaposition between soft, delicate blousy flowers next to dried, crispy stuff. I think this reflects that wonderful charm that both Ancoats and city life in general have; a mix of the rough and the smooth!
What are the most popular flowers that you sell?
Everything really, I make them all bespoke so nothing is ever the same. That’s part of the fun of this job! I tend to try and encourage customers to give me a loose brief so I can choose the best flowers I see when I go to the market. That way you get to enjoy something unusual, influenced by what you like, that’s super fresh that day.
What’s your favourite combination of flowers?
I’ve got a few all-time favourites but they vary as the seasons change. I absolutely love a palette of nude, peach-blush next to super dark reds and lots of feathery, textured dried flowers. I love using dried next to fresh blooms as it adds such great texture.
What’s special about the Ancoats community?
It’s just so vibrant and varied whilst still feeling local. With all the amazing new bars and eateries opening it’s busier than ever, but what I love is it doesn’t feel like you’re surrounded by people on hen dos or here for the weekend. The atmosphere is relaxed and it’s like you’ve popped to your local village rather than in a city centre. I have a little girl who is turning 2 and I also like that Ancoats has a lot of families and children here especially with the primary school opening – it’s generally a place where people want to stay.
How do you see the local area evolving over the next few years?
I just think it’s going to get better and better. More people, more places to enjoy. More community!
COVID-19 had an initially devastating effect on local businesses. It’s now inspiring to see so many of them adapting to the changes – reopening with restrictions in place and boosting their online presence etc. How has the pandemic affected The Ancoats Florist, how did you adapt, and how has the local community responded?
It was a massive shock. I was so busy and overwhelmed with work when it first happened, I felt like I had just realised exactly what I wanted to do and it was all taken away overnight. It has been devastating for so many people in so many ways so I can’t complain too much, but it has been hard. Doing weekly flowers, event flowers and weddings meant I went from not having enough hours in the day to literally no work. However, after a few weeks of feeling sorry for myself and enjoying some family time with my little girl, doggy and husband, I thought, ‘right. I need to adapt.’ I started offering hand tied bouquets with contactless door step delivery and it worked really well. It was something I hadn’t done very much of since working in a flower shop and I realised it was something I missed. It was even more special because it was a way for people to show they cared and stay connected with loved ones despite not being able to meet up with them. So many of the beautiful cards and messages made me blub and it felt like I was doing something lovely in a really dark time. And it’s something I am now continuing to offer that I wasn’t before, which is great.
What’s next for The Ancoats Florist?
I’m so overwhelmed with the amazing response I’ve had since opening my little business. Lockdown meant I had much needed time to step back and think about what’s next. I’m back to being a really busy bee and it’s fantastic. With the current climate it’s been a funny few months and more than anything I am looking forward to getting back to doing some lovely weddings. It’s by far my favourite part of the job! I’m also hoping to get an apprentice or a member of staff to be able to help meet demand and do more of what I love.
What would you say to someone thinking about moving to the Ancoats area?
What are you waiting for?!
Quick Fire Questions:
Best coffee in the city centre?
The Ancoats Coffee Co
Favourite bar?
The Jane Eyre
Favourite restaurant?
Sugo
Where do you like to go for a walk?
Around the marina if I’m near home, or Delamere Forest for some fresh air
Best breakfast spot? And favourite dish?
Takk. Nduja eggs with a side of halloumi
Favourite place in the whole of the city centre?
My studio!
Favourite arts/culture/concert venue?
Matt and Phreds
Tell us about a local business we may not have heard of but should really check out…
Companio Bakery on Radium Street – get the Focaccia. Take it home and make yourself a posh Italian butty out of it. Or try the mortadella ham and mozzarella from Salvis if you feel dead fancy – it will change your life!
You’ll find Dan at her studio over in Pollard Yard, a vibrant, creative co-working community in New Islington.
Discover more about Dan’s beautiful bouquets and the services she offers over on her website and be sure to follow her on social media for the latest news and updates @TheAncoatsFlorist.