MyThirdPlace

We're delighted to share that Platt Fields Market Garden (PFMG), part of MUD CIC, has been listed on MyThirdPlace by co-founder Josephine Payne. From their listing, navigate to a blog by Nina Vincent, who reflects on how volunteering at the garden reconnects people with nature and to a more sustainable way of living in urban Manchester. MyThirdPlace aims to bring more newcomers to inclusive and collaborative green spaces like PFMG, and to the opportunities they create for locals to learn from, connect with and give back to their communities. #GreenSpace #SocialEnterprise #Volunteering

I’ve written an article for our website about something I think about more and more often: whether the future of small towns might depend, in part, on people living above the shop again. Running the Poetry Pharmacy from a tiny market town has taught me that creative risk becomes much more possible when overheads are lower, communities are walkable and shopkeepers are physically part of the life of the high street, not just commuting into it. There’s something older and more human in that model that feels worth revisiting. The article is also a fairly honest reflection on the realities of small business growth, exhaustion, responsibility and trying to keep culture alive outside major cities. You can read it here: https://lnkd.in/eyX_ygU7 The future of small towns may be living above the shop again

I ended up taking a little break from most of my socials recently while I've been focussing on some chocolatey things, but am gradually easing back into it all 😉 I thought this week would be good to drop back in as I've just had my first ever piece published on Business Insider (which I'm VERY excited about!). I've written about self-employed life and what I now appreciate about from my previous employed roles after working for myself for over 10 years. Though of course not quite enough to go back into 'regular' employment, and give up being able to eat chocolate every day and calling it work 🍫 #selfemployed #chocolate #wellbeing https://lnkd.in/ebNynrf6

'Third Places' - accessible gathering spots outside home and work - are vital for sustaining a representative democracy. When everyone interacts on neutral ground (regardless of social class or beliefs), diverse conversations can take place between different interests. This builds compassion and common ground, overcoming rising polarisation and echo chambers, so that communities can come together to advocate for stronger local representation needed for a healthy democracy. Big thank you to Councillor and national Social Security & Welfare Spokesperson for the Green Party of England and Wales, Frank Adlington-Stringer for collaborating with MyThirdPlace on this post. #ThirdPlace #Representation #Democracy

We’re pleased to share that The Ardagh has listed on MyThirdPlace. "The Ardagh is a little oasis of calm in the middle of Horfield Common in North Bristol… a community facility with a great café, beautiful gardens, sports courts, plant nursery, sauna and more… It provides opportunities for volunteering, leisure and wellbeing… with a monthly market to showcase local makers… Our café and plant nursery help to generate funds to maintain the site for the public all year round." Navigate directly to Bengisu Kocer’s blog, where she reflects on how The Ardagh became part of her weekly rhythm after moving to Bristol - a place to feel part of, and contribute to, a community. Explore what’s on, including their upcoming Food & Craft Market on May 9th. #SocialEnterprise #Sustainability #PetFriendly #ThirdPlace

In her debut blog on MyThirdPlace, Nina Vincent visits the Platt Fields Market Garden in urban Manchester. Part of Manchester Urban Diggers (MUD CIC), this not-for-profit project has grown into a community hub for food growing, wellbeing and shared learning. After first visiting in October — making tea in the greenhouse and hearing co-founders Michael Hodson and Sam Payne reflect on its journey — Nina found herself drawn into a community garden that brings people together and closer to nature. Fully outdoors, days move between practical tasks and spontaneous conversations between locals. Now a regular, Nina describes it as a place that breaks up screen-based routines — somewhere to work with your hands, meet new people each visit, and leave feeling more grounded. Read Nina's full article on MyThirdPlace. #foodsystems #urbanfarming #biodiversity #earthday #thirdplace

The MyThirdPlace website is continuing to take shape thanks to TransformSites, led by Charlie Fisher, as we work towards becoming a digital hub for #thirdplaces - and the Regulars who bring them to life offline. A big thank you to those who shared their third place stories in Q1 2026 (Jamie Calder, Meredith Whitely, Shaun Kitchener, Bengisu Kocer, Olivia Kennedy, Esmé Hollens MCIPR, Jamie Pitts, CMgr FCMI, Shannon Fidoe, Thomas Keer), highlighting the value of accessible, everyday spaces and why they matter now more than ever. And to the Third Places who joined the platform this quarter (Poetry Pharmacy (Deborah Alma), Projekts MCR, Coal and Cotton, Tawny Stores), strengthening our growing map of spaces, we’re excited to keep connecting Regulars and newcomers to the communities you create. Looking forward to what’s ahead. Joshua Chan Founder, MyThirdPlace #publicspace #urbanplanning #rayoldenburg #civicspace

In a new blog on MyThirdPlace, Shaun Kitchener explores how Soho Theatre Bar fulfils the qualities of a great Third Place in London’s West End. Set on Dean Street, this neon-lit space is open for long hours, staying adaptable to its regulars - from a coworking spot for freelance creatives throughout the day to a sociable bar in the evening where conversation flows easily and members enjoy added accessibility through discounts - all while remaining rooted in the creative, counter-culture energy of Soho’s theatre scene. For Shaun, it’s not just the versatility that stands out, but the welcoming atmosphere, creating a safe haven where people of all identities naturally mix. In a part of the city where spaces can feel transient or transactional, Soho Theatre Bar offers an inclusive home away from home for the whole community. Read the full feature on MyThirdPlace. #freelance #coworking #theatre #thirdspace

We are delighted that Poetry Pharmacy has been listed on MyThirdPlace by their Founder, Deborah Alma; "Nestled in the small market town of Bishop’s Castle in Shropshire, The Poetry Pharmacy is a literary “third space” where visitors can slow down, reconnect with words, and spend time in thoughtful conversation… browse poetic remedies, explore books arranged by mood and theme, and discover poetry in playful and unexpected ways. Visitors can self-diagnose their emotional ailments and select a bottle of poetry pills filled with tiny rolled verses… browse shelves of books curated for states such as Calm, Joy, Comfort and Words for Love… creating a welcoming retreat where poetry is presented as everyday medicine. The atmosphere is warm, curious and restorative… attracting book lovers, poets, visitors to the town and members of the local community… a place where strangers often find themselves talking about poems." From their listing page, navigate to Meredith Whitely's blog about how Poetry Pharmacy blends poetry, creativity and wellbeing into a calm and welcoming third place. Also view, from a single listing page, the locations of all their branches across the UK. #thirdspace #mindfulness #poetry