Tag: Manly news

A Mini Wonderland for Events and Talents @ Manly’s The Mad Hatters Bookshop

Step into the enchanting world of The Mad Hatters Bookshop. They’re conveniently located in Shop 3 of Manly’s 7 Day Markets at 50 Cambridge Parade. Opened in June of 2015, Ann-Marie Finn’s one-of-a-kind bookshop takes bookworms, young and old alike, into a wonderful nook that even Alice in Wonderland won’t be able to resist. An Instagram-worthy interior and irresistibly affordable books are just a couple of the reasons why this hub is a must-explore for any adventurous book shopper.

The Mad Hatters Bookshop, contrary to popular fairy tale belief, cannot be found in any rabbit hole. However, it sure feels like being in one once you get inside the shop. Their well-stocked shelves seem like treasure troves of enthralling tomes for “visitors of all ages.” They’ve got an impressive variety of books, cards, stationeries, gifts, toys, unicorns, games, and even homewares.

If you can’t find what you’re looking for, simply tell the friendly staff and they’ll order it in for you. This way, you can have what you want by the next time you visit.

Events and Games Galore

A Wonderland of a bookshop, Ms Finn’s lovely establishment isn’t just a hub of books for sale. It’s also a spot often filled with laughter and positive vibes. Events and games are constantly held inside. Some of the fun sessions their craft and activity room have seen include storytime on Monday mornings, junior book club sessions (Wednesday afternoons), and writing club sessions (Tuesday afternoons).

Meanwhile, their adult book club session is held at 7:00 p.m. every first Tuesday of the month. This 6th June, the club’s focus will be on Oscar Wilde’s book entitled “A Picture of Dorian Grey”. Don’t worry, if you haven’t read it yet. Everyone is welcome to join the session.

Another great thing about this fantastic book hub is that they deeply support local authors and illustrators through book launches, book signings, and reading sessions. Be prepared to scour through a wide array of books by these local talents. You can even get to meet them, too. Last 3rd June, Emily Larkin and Helene Magisson launched their new book entitled “The Whirlpool” at 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.  On 10th June, Michelle Worthington and Andrew Plant will be launching theirs entitled “Glitch” at 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

The Children’s Nook

This not-so-ordinary bookshop has its own dedicated children’s nook at the rear. In the nook, there are games, children’s books, and stuffed forest animals that would keep children entertained for hours. There are mini log cushions, cute mushrooms, and some other nifty furniture pieces that would delight the young ones.

A big, captivating wall painting serves as the best attraction for the nook. Ms Finn, an artist and illustrator herself, painted this “trompe-l’oeil” mural. Merely looking at it causes one to believe that a magical mouse or a rabbit might pass by any minute. Who knows? Even the Gruffalo might come out. The realistic artistry is sure to make one’s imagination go to Fantasyland.

The Mad Hatters Bookshop is one spot any bookworm must go and check out. It’s readily accessible in the heart of Manly. They’re open Mondays to Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturdays (9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.), and Sundays (10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.). For inquiries, you may contact them via email (info@madhattersbookshop.com) or phone (07 3393 5130). For a sneak peak about what’s currently on, check their website, Facebook, or Instagram.

Click here for The Mad Hatters Bookshop events and goodies.

Good, Old-fashioned Service and Quality Meats at The Local Butcher in Manly

Purchased in early 2015, what used to be an ordinary butcher shop is now a bustling spot for those looking to cook barbecues, kebabs, steaks, roasts, and other quality meat dishes. Gary and Vicki Stenzel’s The Local Butcher at the Manly Harbour Village takes pride in “good, old-fashioned butchery with real service and quality.”

One of the good things about this local shop is that you can request any kind of cut. Mr Stenzel will always be glad to butcher meat the way a customer wants it. If you ask for it, he will give you bonus tips too on what to do best with your purchased meat.

“I cooked for my 40th this year and Gary was happy to chat with me about what I needed to feed the masses. I settled on 2 whole pork shoulders, and 2 whole lamb forequarters and he cracked the joints and the shanks for me to make carving easier,” testified EJ Daniel, a blogger and one of Mr Stenzel’s good customers.

Guaranteed Fresh and High Quality Meat Products

Meat products at The Local Butcher are guaranteed fresh and high quality. The Stenzels constantly check with local livestock suppliers to make sure their shop’s customers always purchase the best meat cuts the butcher industry has to offer. The shop’s pork is from their trusted supplier near the Dalby area. The pork supply is delivered two to three times weekly. For goat meat orders, feel free to have a nice chat with Mr Stenzel. You won’t regret it.

Tasmania’s Collective Royal Group of Lamb Growers supplies the shop with fresh, free-range lamb twice a week. Tasmanian lambs are reportedly the best in the country and Mr Stenzel is not one to let his customers miss out on premium meat.

The Local Butcher Manly
For Mr Stenzel, nothing compares to the best lambs in the country. Photo Credit: Manly Deck Bar & Restaurant/Facebook

As for their beef, they get it from Rangeland Quality Meats. The “farmer-owned and family-operated” company boasts of being proud grazers of award-winning grass-fed quality cattle in Queensland. Owned by the Hughes family, the land, where the farm animals are raised, is registered with the Land for Wildlife. These farm properties are also accredited with the Cattle Care Quality Assurance. In this regard, customers can be at ease that they are purchasing top quality meat that came from a safe and natural environment.

The Stenzels’ meat shop also sells flavorful and award-winning small goods like hams, bacons, kebabs, briskets, and sausages. Mr Stenzel marinates and smokes all his shop’s hams on premises. The “melt-in-your-mouth” briskets are dry marinated, smoked, and cooked in sous-vide method for 12 hours. As to his sausages, preservative-free ones are sold per order since Mr Stenzel only makes these once a week. Regular sausages with low preservatives are sold every other day.

The Local Butcher is located at Manly’s 222 Stratton Terrace. They are open Mondays to Fridays at 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. For orders or inquiries, email Gary and Vicky Stenzel at manvmeats@gmail.com or call them at (+61) 7 3396 2195.