Born out of a lifelong passion for art and a deep love for community
There’s something special about places that bring people together, not just for coffee or conversation, but for creativity, connection, and that spark you can’t quite put into words.
Tucked away in the heart of Heaton Moor, Stockport, one such space has been quietly (and not so quietly!) making waves: Art Club.
Part café, part gallery, part creative hub, it’s the kind of spot where you can sip a flat white, pick up a paintbrush, and leave with more than you came in for.
When we sat down with owner Angela Lock, the artist and driving force behind Art Club, it quickly became clear that this isn’t just another café with nice paintings on the wall. It’s the result of years of passion, persistence, and a belief that art should be for everyone. From hosting workshops and exhibitions to welcoming live music and community events, Art Club has become a place where creativity feels accessible, informal, and full of joy.
Let’s Go!
So Angela, great to meet you – Tell us more about Art Club
Art Club is more than just a café; it’s a creative haven nestled in the heart of Heaton Moor at 25 Shaw Road, where art, community, and conversation come together under one roof. We’ve built a space for anyone who loves creativity, whether you’re a professional artist, a curious beginner, or someone who simply enjoys the spark of inspiration over a cup of coffee.
The idea for Art Club was born out of a lifelong passion for art and a deep love for community. As a professional artist and proud mum of four, for the past seven years, I’ve been running popular art classes and workshops around Stockport and Manchester.
These sessions showed me just how much people crave creativity, not just as a skill, but as a way to connect, unwind, and feel alive. I knew these workshops deserved a permanent home, somewhere that felt warm, welcoming, and truly different.
With the help of my husband, Jason, we transformed that vision into reality!
Art Club Stockport is designed to be an open, inspiring environment where everyone can feel part of something bigger. Here, you can drop in for a coffee and a slice of homemade cake, wander around our rotating exhibitions, pick up a sketchbook to doodle, or immerse yourself in one of our many workshops. From painting and printmaking to art parties and specialist talks, we’re here to spark creativity in every form.
Our mission is simple: to make art accessible, enjoyable, and enriching for everyone – no matter your age, background, or experience level. We believe that learning to appreciate or create art has the power to transform lives, and we want to share that joy with as many people as possible.
Today, Art Club is a vibrant community space – a café, gallery, and classroom rolled into one – bringing together people who value creativity, connection, and a little bit of magic in their everyday lives.
Art Workshops and Creative Classes in Heaton Moor
What was your motivation to start Art Club, and the vibe you were looking to create?
Art Club is unique because it’s not just a café, and it’s not just an art studio… It’s both, blended into a space designed to inspire.
We’ve created a welcoming environment where people can relax with a coffee or a glass of wine, surrounded by art, and then pick up a sketchbook or join a class whenever creativity calls.
Our timetable is as diverse as our community: painting, printmaking, sculpture, art parties, talks, exhibitions – all under one roof. We believe creativity should feel accessible, informal, and joyful, not intimidating or exclusive.
What truly sets us apart is our philosophy: art is for everyone. You don’t need to be “good at art” to belong here. We want people to rediscover the simple joy of making something with their hands, without pressure or judgment.
Every detail – from the café tables to the gallery walls – is designed to encourage that freedom and connection.
The spark for Art Club came from years of teaching workshops across Stockport and Manchester. I saw firsthand how people lit up when they had space to create. Over and over, students told me they wished there was somewhere they could come regularly, a place that felt social and inspiring without being formal.
One day, after packing up yet another pop-up class, I thought: Why not build the space I’ve been dreaming of? A permanent home for creativity where everyone feels they belong. That was the moment I knew Art Club had to happen.
With the support of my family and friends and fueled by my passion for art and community, we took the leap – and now Art Club is that dream come to life.
My Advice to Anyone Starting Out?
“If you’re thinking of creating a space like this, go in with your eyes open and your heart full. Be clear on your “why” because that’s what will carry you through the hard days.
Don’t wait for perfect conditions – they don’t exist. Start small, test ideas, listen to your audience, and keep adapting.
And above all, hold on to the joy that made you want to do this in the first place – it’s your biggest strength.”
Community Events and Live Music at Art Club
What have been your most memorable moments that make you think it’s all been worthwhile?
Art Club has been full of incredible moments that make us pause and think, “This is why we do this.” A few highlights stand out!
First off, Opening Day, when we turned the vision into reality. After months of planning, painting, and dreaming, the day we opened our doors at 25 Shaw Road was unforgettable. Seeing people come in, relax with a coffee, and start sketching or chatting about art felt like magic.
We hoped there’d be interest in what we were creating, but the speed was overwhelming – our classes were fully booked almost immediately. It showed us how much people craved a space like this. Watching local artists’ work proudly displayed on our walls and seeing the community come out to celebrate their talent was a defining moment. Art Club became more than a café – it became a gallery, a platform, and a meeting point for creatives.
One of the most exciting moments? When local BBC broadcaster Chris Warburton approached us to host his vision of a Sunday afternoon series: “A Sunday Thing” – featuring live music, DJs, and intimate chats with iconic guests.
We’ve welcomed names like Graeme Park, Stanley Chow, John Thomson, and Seb Lowe to our space, creating unforgettable afternoons filled with music, stories, and community spirit. Seeing our venue used as a stage for such creativity was a massive pinch-me moment.
Another huge highlight was winning a £10,000 media package from Square, the mobile payment company, which gave us an incredible opportunity to amplify our story and reach even more people who love art, creativity, and community.
Watching people reconnect with art, the countless times we’ve heard, “I haven’t done art since school,” and then watched someone leave with a new sense of joy and confidence – those are the moments that mean everything.
Art Club started as an idea on paper – and now it’s a living, breathing creative hub for our community. Those “wow” moments remind us that we’re building something truly special.
What advice would you give to anyone else wanting to set up their own enterprise?
The honest truth about running a creative community space… Aside from raising my four amazing kids, running Art Club has been one of the most rewarding journeys of my life – but it’s also been one of the hardest!
From the outside, it might look like coffee, art, and laughter every day (and those moments do exist!), but the truth is: this kind of business is a balancing act of passion, logistics, and resilience.
The Good: the biggest joy is seeing people light up when they discover their creativity. Watching someone walk in saying, “I can’t draw,” and leave with pride in what they’ve made – that’s priceless. Building a space where people feel inspired and connected makes all the hard work worth it. Every event or party that fills the room with music, laughter, and conversation reminds me why I started this.
The Bad: What you don’t always see are the early mornings, late nights, and endless to-do lists. In this industry, margins can be tight, and it’s not enough to love art – you have to be just as passionate about spreadsheets, marketing, and customer service. It’s a constant juggle between creativity and business practicality. And when you run a space that depends on footfall and events, you’re always at the mercy of the weather, the economy, and competition.
The Ugly: the hardest part? The emotional rollercoaster. Some days you’ll feel on top of the world – sold-out classes, glowing reviews, happy customers. Other days, you’ll question everything. You need thick skin, grit, and a lot of self-belief to keep pushing when things get tough. And trust me, they will.
What I wish I had known earlier? You can’t do everything yourself. Build a network, lean on others, and outsource when you can.
Marketing is half the job. No matter how great your space is, people won’t come unless they know about it.
It will cost more and take longer than you expect. Budget and plan with that in mind.
Community is everything. Focus on relationships, not just transactions – they will sustain you in the long run.
Art Workshops and Creative Classes in Heaton Moor
What have you got coming up that you’re most excited about?
We’ve got some seriously exciting things on the horizon at Art Club, and we can’t wait to share them with you!
- Expanding Our Workshop Timetable
Our classes have been selling out so quickly that we’re adding even more sessions – from experimental printmaking and sculpture to life drawing and family-friendly creative mornings. We want to give everyone more chances to dive into art in ways that feel fresh and inspiring. - More “In Conversation With” Events
After the incredible success of BBC broadcaster Chris Warburton’s “A Sunday Thing” sessions – complete with live music, DJs and guests- expect bigger names, more music, and that special Art Club atmosphere. Tickets sell out very quickly; you have been warned! - A New Exhibition Series
We’re curating a brand-new exhibition programme featuring both emerging and established artists, giving local talent a platform and our visitors an ever-changing visual experience. Our Open Call – “Proper Talented” will showcase talent of all ages. - Creative Membership Packages
We’re developing Art Club Memberships – so whether you’re a regular in our café or a workshop addict, you can access exclusive benefits, priority booking, and members-only events. - Something for the Little Artists
We’ve had so many requests for more family and children’s activities, so keep an eye out for after-school clubs and creative holiday and toddler sessions. - A Big Creative Surprise (Stay Tuned!)
We can’t say too much yet, but let’s just say we’re exploring ways to bring Art Club beyond our walls… Think pop-ups, collaborations, and maybe even an outdoor creative event next summer!
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The AI Question – Will AI Take My Job if I Set Up A Cafe Bar?
Good news – the AI Threat Score is 15%.
While AI can help with back-office tasks (marketing, accounting, stock ordering), the core of opening and running a café bar is rooted in human experience, physical presence, hospitality, and local culture. All things people value specifically because they aren’t automated and can’t be replaced (yet) by robots (Unless you maybe go to Japan and are into that sort of stuff…)
It’s been a pleasure to feature you and Art Club today. Anything else you’d like to share with the world?
I’m deeply grateful for the continued support of my incredible team and colleagues, who bring their own energy and vision by hosting their own classes and workshops.
I’m also inspired by the wider creative community – from those leading creative writing sessions to artists planning live music, vinyl nights, and sing-along events – all of whom contribute to the vibrant spirit of Art Club. To anyone who has or is hiring the space for a private party or celebration.
The future feels bright (and colourful!), and we’d love for you to be part of it. Follow us on Instagram & FB so you don’t miss a single thing!
If you want to support Art Club, here are three simple things you can do:
1. Pop in and say hello – have a brew, browse the art, or just soak up the atmosphere.
2. Join a workshop – whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned artist, there’s a place for you here.
3. Spread the word – tell a friend, share a post, or bring someone along. Word of mouth means everything to us.
My final word…creativity isn’t a luxury – it’s a lifeline! In a busy, stressful world, making time to create is one of the most powerful acts of self-care and connection. So pick up a pencil, paintbrush, or camera – and let’s make the world a little more beautiful together.
We can’t wait to welcome you to Art Club soon!
How To Set Up Your Own Cafe Bar
- Setting up a bar or cafe is a great alternative to office work, especially if you love being around interesting people. We recommend taking some shifts in a local coffee shop or bar to get used to it before taking the plunge!
- If you’re thinking of setting up a cafe bar or hospitality venue, then we highly recommend ➡️ this book 📚
- Make sure you work on your own angle, and do your market research – it’s competitive on the high street right now!
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Do you own a unique, innovative, creative business or project and would like to be featured on the pages of SomethingElse? Get in touch with us and let’s see what we can do together!
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Frequently Asked Questions about Art Club Stockport
Where is Art Club located in Stockport?
Art Club is based in the heart of Heaton Moor at 25 Shaw Road, Stockport SK4 4AG. The café and gallery are easy to reach from central Stockport and South Manchester.
What kind of workshops does Art Club offer?
Art Club runs a wide variety of creative workshops, including painting, printmaking, sculpture, life drawing, and family-friendly art sessions. There are also art parties, specialist talks, and creative events throughout the year.
Can families and children join workshops at Art Club?
Yes. Art Club is family-friendly and offers children’s art classes, after-school clubs, and creative holiday sessions, alongside workshops designed for adults.
Does Art Club host live music and events?
Definitely. Art Club regularly welcomes live music, DJs, and guest speakers, including the popular “A Sunday Thing” series hosted by BBC broadcaster Chris Warburton.
Is Art Club a café as well as a gallery?
Yes. Art Club is part café, part gallery, and part creative hub. Visitors can enjoy coffee, homemade cakes, and a relaxed atmosphere while surrounded by rotating art exhibitions.
How do I book a class or event at Art Club?
Workshops and events can be booked directly through Art Club’s website or social media channels. Early booking is recommended as many sessions sell out quickly.
