The Eighth Day Cafe

Our History

At 8th Day Co-operative, we take pride in our rich history, which spans over five decades. In 1970, a group of friends had a vision to create a business that stood apart from the conventional capitalist system. They founded On The Eighth Day, a craft exchange and alternative centre, with the aim of creating a new way of trading goods. Although the initial attempt to escape the clutches of capitalism was not entirely successful, the spirit of the movement lived on.

The Seventies

In the 1970s, the business underwent significant changes. After a brief stint as a clothes shop, 8th Day Co-operative Ltd re-opened at 111 Oxford Road in 1972, with a focus on wholefood and vegetarian products. The workers' interest in a vegetarian wholefood diet grew, and a corner of the shop was dedicated to a vegetarian cafe, which eventually moved to a new location.

The Eighties

During the 1980s, the business continued to evolve, and a corner of the shop became a vegetarian cafe. In 1994, the cafe relocated to 109 and 107 Oxford Road. During the first six years, the business was run as a partnership, but in 1976, 8th Day Co-operative Ltd registered as a workers' co-operative under the Provident Societies Act.

The Nineties

The 1990s saw significant changes at 8th Day Co-operative. The building was in a state of disrepair, and in 1999, the business was forced to relocate temporarily to the Sugden Sports Centre car park. Despite the challenges, the business continued to thrive, and the shop expanded to include new products and services.

The Noughties

In the 2000s, 8th Day Co-operative began a new chapter in its history. After a move to temporary premises at the end of June 2003, the business relocated back to its original location on Oxford Road. The rebuild was a major undertaking, but it was worth the effort. The business continued to grow, with sales doubling in the years following the move, leading to better pay and conditions for members and the ability to create more jobs.

Our Mission

At 8th Day Co-operative, our mission is to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for our customers, offering a wide range of ethical, eco-friendly, and locally sourced products. Our commitment to sustainability, social responsibility, and customer satisfaction has made us one of the leading vegetarian health food shops and cafes in Manchester.

Our Services

At 8th Day Co-operative, we pride ourselves on offering a unique shopping experience. Our shop is stocked with over 5,000 lines of organic, vegetarian, and vegan products, including nutritional and herbal supplements, natural and organic skincare, and local and fair-trade products. Our cafe offers a delicious and varied menu, with a focus on plant-based cuisine. We also provide catering services, gift vouchers, and online shopping options.

Our Team

Our team is comprised of passionate individuals who share our commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. From our nutritionist to our chef, every member of our team is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and maintaining our high standards of quality and sustainability.