A new day and night deli promising brews and bakes – as well as booze and small plates – has opened in Bolton.
Earl’s opened just before Christmas and has been billed by owners as a neighbourhood spot where punters can get coffee and pastries in the daytime, before settling in for some small plates and drinks after dark.
Situated on Chorley Old Road, around the Doffcocker and Heaton areas, the new concept has been brought to life by long-time friends Jonny Eckersley and Andy Partington. Earl’s sits on the site of what was Andy’s barber shop, Common Barber, and his coffee shop, Common and Coffee.
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Jonny says that a series of happy accidents led the pair to setting up their own deli, named after one of his dogs. “Andy is a barber by trade and he’s been cutting my hair for years,” laughs Jonny.
The new concept has been brought to life by long-time friends Jonny Eckersley and Andy Partington
(Image: RICHARD CARROLL 2023)
“My mum grew up around here, not far from where Earl’s is now. The site used to be Coleman’s Bakery which was very popular, and the bright orange colour pays homage to that. I remember going to the bakery with my grandad, so there’s a lot of personal history too.”
Andy’s business, Common and Coffee, which also housed Common Barber, closed in late September to make way for Earl’s. The barber shop has stayed open though, only moving a short distance across the road into a unit that became vacant.
“Honestly the coffee that Andy was doing was excellent. It’s from Blossom Roasters based at Trafford Park, and it’s easily the best coffee being served in Bolton, but in terms of the coffee shop and barbers we hit a celling with what could be done food wise.
Earls’ has been fitted with a custom-built bar and deli unit
(Image: RICHARD CARROLL 2023)
“We talked about doing Earl’s for years and then our landlord bought the building across the street and when he bumped into Andy he offered it to him if he wanted it, so the barbers moved across the road and we started working on Earl’s in September.”
Since then the pair have had a custom-made bar and deli counter built and moved into the unit giving the space a distinct Mid-Century feel, while the exterior gives the feel of a retro cafe. Jonny was also keen to open before Christmas for curious customers and to get a feel for local interest.
Currently, they’re serving up a selection of breads and pastries from much-loved Manchester bakery, Half Dozen Other, while their dairy for the coffee – and also charcuterie boards – come from Smithills Open Farm just down the road.
Earl’s opened just before Christmas and has been billed by owners as a neighbourhood spot where punters can get coffee and pastries in the daytime, before settling in for some small plates and drinks after dark
(Image: RICHARD CARROLL 2023)
In the coming weeks, and once they have recruited a head chef, there’s big plans to expand the food and drink offer. In the mornings, diners will be able to either stop-off or sit in for breakfast sandwiches, or pop in later for brunch, which Jonny says will be ‘really refined and done very well’.
As the day progresses, those seeking out a good lunch will be pleased to hear that they’re also developing a full sandwich menu complete with ‘doorstop’ bloomers, toasted sourdough and focaccia, on a similar to lunchtime pros Bada Bing and Mickeys in the city centre.
From 4pm, Earl’s transitions into an evening space with elevated small plates, natural wines, craft beers and cocktails. “We have a good relationship with the guys at Flawd in New Islington and they’ve been a really helpful and given us some pointers on the wines.
From 4pm, Earl’s transitions into an evening space with elevated small plates, natural wines, craft beers and cocktails
(Image: Richard Carroll 2021)
“We’re really trying to use the best possible products and suppliers, this isn’t a cash grab for us. We don’t need to be selling cocktails for £14, people don’t need to be paying that sort of price. We want to create a neighbourhood feel and you can’t do that with pints that cost £7.50 and a glass of wine over a tenner – that wouldn’t benefit the neighbourhood here and we’re certainly not trying to gentrify this area.”
Jonny also talks about the neighbourhood growing around Earl’s, mentioning places in Heaton and Doffcocker such as Provisions, a deli specialising in fresh produce, wines and coffee to go, and Tesoro, which serves up authentic Neapolitan pizza.
“Over Christmas we’ve had people come in for a drink before heading for a pizza and then coming back afterwards too – that’s the best example of how this community is building in terms of hospitality.
On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays there will also be DJs
(Image: RICHARD CARROLL 2023)
“It’s an older demographic around here, but young families will want to move out of the city centre for more space and currently there’s not a lot to service them. As someone who knows the area well, it’s a really interesting time for the area and that’s only going to continue – the more places that open around here that will only benefit the existing businesses.”
Starting from next week, there will also be vinyl DJs playing on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Earl’s is also recruiting for a head chef, with more information here.
From January 6, Earl’s will open from 8am-6pn on Tuesday and Wednesdays, then from 8am to 10pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and 8am to 8pm on Sundays. Alcohol is served from noon every day.