'Manchester's phenomenally musical'

Deansgate is, for better or worse, Manchester’s own Champs-Elysee. It’s dead straight, surrounded by some of the city’s architectural highlights, and can be a nightmare to drive down.

However, Deansgate wouldn’t be Deansgate without Forsyth’s — the city’s oldest family-owned business. The music shop, which has a piano outside for passing players to have practice upon, has been in its current premises for 120 years.

It’s been going for 165 years, all in all, and started life just over the road where Black Sheep coffee is now. Inside, it’s a musician’s dream.

Automated pianos are weaving a tune. Guitars are waiting to be plucked. And music exam rehearsals can be heard from downstairs.

Throughout this chaos is Emma Loat, the shop’s General Manager. She’s the latest in a long line of family members to take on the reins of the business.

So, what does someone who carries the torch of a Manc institution think about her home city? We find out…

Where’s your favourite hidden gem?

I could be blindingly obvious and go for The Hidden Gem, and it would be really cheesy to say our own workshop, wouldn’t it?

You wouldn’t be the first to do that, though…

Okay, our own workshops, which are hidden on the top floor of our five-storey building. It’s where we restore pianos.

You go back in time. It’s been there for 120 years, and they’re still using the same workbenches.

We’re still restoring pianos, which haven’t changed that much in 120 years — it’s a hidden gem. We are the oldest family business in Manchester, we’ve been in these premises for 120 years, we’ve been going for 165 years.

Before we were here, we were on the corner of St Ann’s Street, the building where Black Sheep Coffee is now.

What’s your favourite view of the city or in the city?

I think it’s when you climb on the back of the bridge on Deansgate-Castlefield Metrolink station. It’s an amazing view.

Where’s best to go for your dinner in town?

Cafe Istanbul, just round the corner! It’s a lovely independent restaurant, and it’s been there a while — 40 years I think?

Where would you take someone to show them the real Manchester?

Which face of Manchester will they want?! Forsyth’s, obviously.

Seriously, I’d take them to Manchester Art Gallery because that has the Victorian history of Manchester — and it’s really emblazoned everywhere, and it’s nice and warm this time of year. I’d just do a walking tour of the city and look at Victorian architecture.