What do a limited-edition bust of the Queen Mother, a clothes hanger bearing David Seaman’s face and a slightly worn mid century sideboard all have in common?
No, this is not some niche joke you’ve pulled out of a Christmas cracker, but a genuine question. The answer is they all occupy the same space inside a Grade II-listed building just off the M60 in Stockport.
Situated on an industrial estate in Bredbury is Pear Mill, which amongst other businesses houses The Vintage Emporium, the largest vintage lifestyle centre in the North West.
Boasting a plethora of independent shops all housed under one roof, here you’ll find bargains and treasures from years gone by.
Its base, a former Edwardian cotton spinning mill on the northern bank of the Rover Goyt, was one of the last of its kind to be built in England, starting construction in 1913.
It was designed as a double mill, but the second mill was never built, though at its peak it employed approximately 300 people, running 52 pairs of spinning mules with a total of 137,312 spindles.
Pear Mill ceased to operate as a textile mill in 1978, and since then it has been owned by Lee Mar Estates. The impressive structure remains but the use has changed many times.
Visit today and you’ll find a CrossFit centre, a bed and furniture store, a pole dancing studio, rehearsal spaces, a huge frozen food store, a DIY school and an Adidas outlet store.
On the ground floor sits The Vintage Emporium, where on a quiet Sunday I found myself perusing aisle upon aisle of treasure.
Trinkets, time capsules, handmade gifts, upcycled furniture, it had just about everything you could think of.
At first glance it was a little overwhelming. The space is huge and it can be difficult to know where to start, especially if you’re not after anything in particular - though there's something nice in that too.
A common theme arose of people shouting out various family members or friend's names they had lost within the cavernous space, later to be found in the haberdashery section or engrossed in the shrine dedicated to 90s boybands.
As I wandered around it became apparent that each area takes on a different theme because they’re split up into different independent shops and vendors, each specialising in different vintage items, antiques or collectables.
Furniture spans all the way from the Victorian era through to more contemporary times, while art and signage features classic prints from Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, through to posters of Manchester music icons and old bus and train signs for Greater Manchester stops.
Amongst ancient artefacts, a bit of taxidermy, military uniforms and miniature printing presses, there’s items dotted around that you may have also spotted in charity shops.
There’s old-school Cadbury’s hot chocolate mugs, an oversized Mickey Mouse night lamp, old issues of Shoot and Jackie magazine all tucked away in nooks and crannies, which might not have appealed to me, but those that are more nostalgic may snap them up.
Back issues of the Manchester Christmas Markets official mugs can also be found lining shelves, which made me smile.
However, apart from some small glass vases I toyed with purchasing, I didn’t feel too compelled to buy anything - a mooch about was enough.
As there are individual vendors within you also have to go up to the til and check the price, and there isn't much bargaining to be had if the shop owner of that unit isn't there.
Some items are a little pricey too, however, the clothing sections, particularly the area dedicated to different styles of the same blue painter’s jackets did catch my eye, did give me some inspiration.
It got me thinking that if you’re in the market for a particular retro wardrobe item, the Vintage Emporium is a good place to start, especially trying on different styles.
Those who are into the upcycling and mending slightly worn clothes can head to Vintage Sewing Solutions, over on the far left hand side of the ground floor. Here, they do tailoring, alterations and repairs, as well as bespoke curtains and home furnishings.
Thought not associated with the emporium, at the back of the ground floor I also found a vintage tearoom. It was Mother's Day so particularly busy, but as he sun bore on the tables and chairs, it seemed particularly appealing, and I managed to bag myself a chair.
Nothing matched. There was a chaotic but vibrant atmosphere that was hard to put my fingers on. The tables and chairs didn't quite fit each other, and when it's busy they might pile up with crockery meaning there's little space for your own cake and coffee.
However, if you're willing to be patient and let's be honest, show a bit of goodwill, it's worth a visit. There's teas and coffees, hot or cold Vimto that will set you back a few quid, as well as juices, packets or crisps and fizzy drink cans.
The counter was stacked with cakes from brownies and coffee cake as well as almond squares and Bakewell tarts (£4). I opted for the latter and a coffee, and plonked myself down at the back of the tearoom.
They also do cooked food made to order including panini, Tittertons Pork sausage muffins with free range eggs, and tiger bread toasties from £5.50, plus sandwiches with crisps and salads.
It's wholesome even if it does lack a little finesse, and to be truthful it's a nice way to cap off a couple of hours mooching between aisles looking for antiques and treasures.
I may not have come away with any of my own gems on my first trip to Pear Mill, but I'm fairly confident there will be some more excursions in the not-so-distant future.
