I work in town: Loll Perkin, P&D hairdressers - 'My favourite view of Manchester? Sunset in Middleton'

Greater Manchester is spoilt for literary talent. There’s the Bard of Salford, John Cooper Clarke. Tony Walsh captured the spirit of a city in mourning following the 2017 Arena bombing. Anthony Burgess penned one of the greatest novels of the 20th century. Rosie Garland is The John Rylands Library’s writer-in-residence — and that’s not to mention the countless musicians who have put their writing talents to music.

Thankfully, the city’s poetry scene shows no signs of slowing down. Every week there’s a spoken word event in a dusty pub, a renovated warehouse, or somewhere far grander.

Of course, the city has poets to thank for that — but few of them can choose to write full-time for a living. One of those is Loll Perkin, a hairdresser at P&D Haircutters on Tib Street, in the Northern Quarter.

Originally from Merseyside, the 33-year-old's first poetry gig was in late 2019, and she has gone from strength-to-strength — now hosting a spoken word event at Pull Up on Swan Street every month, and also releasing a book, called Fewmin.

“I’ve got 72 pages of my soul in there,” Loll said, before the Manchester Evening News spoke to her at work, dog-sitting for her boss’ pooch Cash. Here’s what she thinks of Manchester.

Where’s your favourite hidden gem?

Junior Jackson’s, on Oldham Street. Unless you know it’s there you won’t spot it. Once you know it, it will become one of your favourites.

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

I live in Middleton, and there’s a monument in Middleton where you can sit and watch the sunset — it’s in [Tandle Hill Park] and looks like a big spike [Royton war memorial] That’s become my favourite view. City-wise, I don’t know.

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

I’m vegan and